PODCAST · history
Viking Story
by Alan Laycock-Fuchs
“Viking Story” began as a podcast designed to explore elements of the Viking world that I had to consider when writing my novel, as well as a tool to tell my own personal story and background, but has evolved into a Viking-themed podcast that explores all topics related to the Viking Age and even goes a bit beyond to explore Scandinavian culture in general and the stories of others connected to the Vikings and to this podcast. To learn more about the Vikings and other related themes then please listen and subscribe. If you want to get in touch then you can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected]
Episodes
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The Last Episode for a While
This is not the end of Season 8, but the podcast is definitely going on a little hiatus over the winter. But not to worry, dear Raiders! In this episode I take a look ahead at what to expect when Season 8 resumes in 2027, what that timeline currently looks like, and why there may be a bonus…
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Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 7
This is a special episode because I am recording immediately after having translated chapter 7 of Eirík the Red's Saga, meaning that everything is as fresh in my mind as it can possibly be! It today's episode we look at the festive Jól period during the Viking Age, which occurred during the…
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Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 6
It's another day, and that means it's time for another one of my translation episodes, this one focusing on chapter 6 of Eirík the Red's Saga. As always, a lot of text will be analysed, with some of the Old Norse words discussed in today's episode including: HÖNDUM (from HÖND) TRÚA KOST (from...
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Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 5
In today's episode we take a closer look at my translation of chapter 5 of Eirík the Red's Saga and we learn about yet another popular saying from the Viking age, namely, "At eigi veit, fyrr en svarat er." Listen to find out what that Norse expression meant plus so much more, including what some…
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Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 4
Thank you to all of my Raiders for your well-wishes following my last episode, where I was fighting against the affects of sunstroke. I am indeed fine again now!! It was really just that one episode where I wasn't feeling like myself, but it's a good reminder to everyone to take care of yourself...
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Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 3
Welcome to the Viking Story podcast! In today's episode I fight against possible heatstroke while attempting to give insights into my translation of chapter 3 of Eirík the Red's Saga. This was certainly an... experience! Old Norse words discussed in today's episode include: GÓÐR BÓNDI RAUSNARRÁÐ...
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Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 2
Happy Canada Day to all of my Raiders! Since today is a special day, you're getting a double-shot of Viking Story as we take a look at the background behind my translation of of Eirík the Red's Saga, this time focusing specifically on its second chapter. Some of the Old Norse words discussed in...
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Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 1
My translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" takes centre stage today as I give my thoughts, explanations and insights into the saga and, in particular, into its first chapter. What makes "Eirík the Red's Saga" different from "The Saga of the Greenlanders"? Which saga contains the more accurate…
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Reykjavík Grapevine and other News
In today's episode I go over some of the latest news concerning the Viking age, this very podcast, AI, Reynisfjara, and much, much more. Unfortunately, there is also some bad news concerning the Reykjavík Grapevine, but you can help them out by using the following links. Main link:...
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Interview with Joshua Gillingham
It's a new season and that means a brand new Viking Story interview! Today I welcome Joshua Gillingham to the podcast to share his knowledge of Norse mythology and what elements inspired his new board game, "Halls of Asgard." If you want to support Halls of Asgard then please back the project any...
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Happy New Year's!
Happy 2026 to all of my Viking Story Raiders! Looking for something to listen to today while you try to sleep off the mead in your half-awake state? Then this is the episode for you! It is also the 'unofficial' 50th episode of Viking Story! Today I give a quick update on a few topics including…
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Interview with Valur Gunnarsson
In today's bonus episode I interview historian and author Valur Gunnarsson about his first English book entitled "What If Vikings Had Conquered The World," which covers a great deal of Nordic history all the way from the Viking Age right through to modern Icelandic history. I have read his book...
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Season 7 Wrap
This is the "official" end to Season 7 but find out what's in store for this podcast, even after this season comes to a close! Also, how difficult is it to interpret a culture through the eyes of another culture that you yourself are also trying to interpret? Is Viking Story really the...
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Interview with Dr. Steven Dorland
What can material culture tell us about a past society? Can pottery speak towards one's culture and, if so, in what ways? Today we discuss childhood archaeology with Dr. Steven Dorland from the Anthropology Department at Grand Valley State University. We also discuss Dr. Dorland's community-based...
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Translation of "Saga of the Greenlanders" Part Three
There are a lot of controversial topics in today's episode, including: Did Guðríð flirt with Thorstein the Black in front of her dying husband? Did Karlsefni find other men attractive? Was the ghost who spoke to Guðríð actually a living, breathing, child? The answers to these questions and more…
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Translation of "Saga of the Greenlanders" Part Two
After a rather rude interruption last episode, we are back again with further discussion and explanation surrounding my translation of "The Saga of the Greenlanders." Among the Old Norse words discussed in today's episode are: DAGMÁLASTAÐ EYKTARSTAÐ SKORTI (from SKORTA) HÚDKEIPA (and in…
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Translation of "Saga of the Greenlanders" Part One
Have you ever wanted to get inside the mind of a translator? Well, lucky for you I have translated "The Saga of the Greenlanders" and added it as an addendum to my own novel, which draws on said saga for inspiration, and today I'm going to talk all about it! In this episode I read my translation…
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Interview with SaturDave
Who is SaturDave, you ask? Well, he's a radio disc jockey from Canada and he's also... my brother! His real name is David Laycock and in today's episode we learn about where the name SaturDave originated from, the inspiration behind his Icelandic tattoo, how the Icelandic mantra of "þetta…
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Introduction and Update
Welcome to the first official episode of Season 7! Find out about the latest news regarding my second novel, "Bloodsword Saga - Greetings from Valhöll," as well as updates on the interviews and insights coming up this season! The first-ever Viking Story Contest is announced, whereby three lucky...
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Return Interview with Martyn Whittock
Season 7 is right around the corner, but first..... we welcome back Martyn Whittock to the podcast to discuss his latest book "Vikings in the East - From Vladimir the Great to Vladimir Putin - The Origins of a Contested Legacy in Russia and Ukraine." This book examines both the Viking history…
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The End of Season 6
Season 6 is a wrap! It's been fun conducting interviews and sharing them with my..... Viking Raiders? What's in store for the Viking Story podcast? When will my second novel, "Bloodsword Saga - Welcome to Valhöll," be published? These answers and a few more to boot in this short wrap-up to Season...
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Interview with Alan Laycock-Fuchs
The final episode of the Interview Series focuses on myself and a Canadian book club who ask me various questions about my book and the associated Viking history that it contains. So join me as I take on 1000s of questions thrown at me, with no preparation from my side whatsoever, during the…
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Interview with Örn Arnarson
It's time for an Icelandic perspective! This week the Viking Story podcast brings you unique insight into what it's like growing up in Iceland and living there today. Find out from Örn Arnarson what it means to be Icelandic, what some of the differences are between Icelanders and other...
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Interview with Riccardo Polacci
In this week's interview I get to sit down and speak to Riccardo Polacci, another historical fiction author who sets his narratives in the Viking Age. We talk about the spiritual episode that lead to Riccardo's writing of "Born a Viking: Blót," why he chose such a young character as his…
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Interview with Andrea Westfall
It is a delight to welcome Andrea Westfall to the Viking Story podcast this week. She shares her experiences and insight as it relates to Medieval and Nordic studies, and by throwing out off-the-cuff lines like "I love languages - the deader the better" you really can't help but be entertained by...
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Season 6 Introduction
Welcome to Season 6! The interviews will start in August but first we take a quick look at what makes this podcast unique. And is it actually the longest running Viking podcast on the interwebs?? This episode sets up the rest of the season nicely and also introduces a new tag-line! Don’t forget…
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Season 6 Trailer
VIKING STORY SUMMER SCHEDULE: New interview episodes every Monday in August!
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Christmas Bonus Episode
Grab yourself an eggnog because it's time for an early Christmas present - the 40th episode of Viking Story! Did I realize that during recording? No I did not! Nevertheless... When can you expect the sequel to Bloodsword Saga? How can one find the Hamlet/Amleð comparison book from St. Clair...
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Interview with Martyn Whittock
In this bonus episode I welcome Martyn Whittock, the author of "American Vikings - How the Norse sailed into the lands and imaginations of America" to the podcast. During our discussion Martyn gives a preview of the types of topics/themes covered in his latest book, ranging from the Norse…
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Welcome Back Interview - Spencer St. Clair
Many people have heard of Shakespeare's greatest tragic hero, Hamlet, but surprisingly few have taken an interest in his actual origins, which date back to over half a millennium before Shakespeare's time. In this episode I speak with St. Clair Publications' own Spencer St. Clair to discuss a...
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Method Writing
In the final episode of Season 5 we take a look at the lengths I went to in order to bring you a detailed description in my Viking novel of what burning alive feels like. I also discuss whether or not this will be the final season of Viking Story and I thank my wonderful listeners for their...
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Interview with Spencer St. Clair
It's time for the very first interview in Viking Story history! Get to know Spencer St. Clair from St. Clair Publications, the publishing house behind my Viking novel. In our interview you'll find out what went behind bringing my book to print and how Spencer St. Clair successfully navigated the...
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Bloodsword Profile
Meet your sexy (?) new host and also the main character from my novel, Bloodsword Saga: Fear The North What makes Bloodsword likeable and, perhaps even more importantly, very unlikeable at the same time? All of these answers and more as I struggle to make it through the entire episode! Don’t…
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Unique Selling Points
What makes my novel unique/different/special? Why are there so many Unique Selling Points (USPs) in my book? All of these answers and more! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] My novel is currently available on Amazon...
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Academic Historical Fiction
What is "Academic Historical Fiction" anyway? Why did I create a whole new book genre and what inspired me to do so? Listen to find out as I go off on a tangent about Tim Horton and Dustin Byfuglien! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at:...
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Where To Buy The Book
My book, powered by you, my faithful listeners, has finally been published! Find my book on Amazon by searching for my name, "Alan Laycock-Fuchs." Weirdly, this podcast will also come up when you search my name (I had forgotten that you could listen via Amazon!) In this episode I'll also…
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Looking Back and Looking Forward
As we wrap-up Season 4 all eyes turn towards Season 5 as I focus on the publication of my Viking novel. I want to personally thank all of my listeners once again for their valued support. This is a completely DIY podcast and so to achieve the success that it has has been truly amazing. Thank you!...
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My Backstory / History of Podcast
A deep dive (?) into my own history and also a look at some of the behind-the-scenes goings-on with regards to this podcast. What was the original name of this podcast? What is the story behind the cover art? And who is SaturDave? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and...
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The Last Kingdom
The best Viking-themed tv show (in my opinion) is revealed and it may not be one you are familiar with. What makes this series better than Vikings and Vikings Valhalla and who was Uhtred of Bebbanburg? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can...
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Ragnarok (tv show)
My second choice for best Viking-themed tv show is revealed, but how close was it to actually being my number one? What makes this Norwegian fantasy drama so good and who are the Norwegian "Brat Pack"? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can...
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Vikings (tv show)
The #3 ranked Vikings-themed tv show is reviewed and I share some of my own personal stories that relate to the series. A few questions are also discussed, such as: Did the Vikings really use sun stones and sun compasses? Did surviving on your own in the wilderness make you a legendary Viking?…
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We have a Book Deal!
It's the start of another new season and I start by thanking my loyal listeners and welcoming all of the new ones. So... a few updates in regards to my publication journey... a deal has been signed and the journey is fast coming to its conclusion! Learn about a few of the details so far in going…
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Updates and Podcast News
Season 3 has come nearly as fast as it has gone. Almost as if it was riding Slepnir. In the final episode of the season I give a quick overview of my publishing journey to date, plus I talk a little about my private life and various trials and trublations I have edured. However, on the plus side,...
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Frigg and Freyja
The last day of the week (or at least the last day that concerns Norse Gods) is the association of Frigg to Friday. This episode also takes a look at the scholarly debate as to whether or not Frigg and Freyja were at one time one and the same. But in order to look at them in the same light they…
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Þor
In this episode we take a closer look at arguably one of the most famous Norse Gods of all time, even rivaling his father's (Oðin's) fame; today the focus is on the God associated with the day of the week we know as Thursday - Þor! Was Þor actually more popular than Oðin during the Viking age?…
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Oðin
Known as the "All Father," Oðin is perhaps the most important God of the Viking people. Or was he? In this special episode I take a closer look at one of the most famous Gods of the Norse pantheon. But where did it all begin for Oðin? How does it all end? What did he represent and what is he...
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Týr
Focusing on the Norse God associated with the day of the week known as Tuesday, I take a look at Týr and his place in the pantheon of Norse Gods. Was Týr at one point a more important God than Oðin? How did the Vikings invoke Týr? Were human sacrifices ever made in his honour? All of these…
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Creation in Norse Cosmology
In this first episode of Season 3 I do what it says on the tin and present an overview of "Creation in Norse Cosmology." How was the Norse universe created? Where do the Viking people and their Gods come from? Who were the Æsir and Vanir, and are their stories echos of real events from the past?...
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News
In this BONUS episode I introduce you to my latest side-project, another podcast called TFC Story, which is going to be a part of my overall "Story" franchise. I also take a look at the new Netflix series called "Vikings Valhalla," which features many of the same historical characters that are…
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Breaking News
Breaking News? In this, the final episode of Season 2, we look at some "breaking news" as it relates to the Vínland voyages and the site at L'Anse aux Meadows. The future of this very podcast is also discussed with a look ahead to what's next. Thank you all so much for listening and following…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
“Viking Story” began as a podcast designed to explore elements of the Viking world that I had to consider when writing my novel, as well as a tool to tell my own personal story and background, but has evolved into a Viking-themed podcast that explores all topics related to the Viking Age and even goes a bit beyond to explore Scandinavian culture in general and the stories of others connected to the Vikings and to this podcast. To learn more about the Vikings and other related themes then please listen and subscribe. If you want to get in touch then you can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Alan Laycock-Fuchs
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Viking Story have?
Viking Story currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Viking Story about?
“Viking Story” began as a podcast designed to explore elements of the Viking world that I had to consider when writing my novel, as well as a tool to tell my own personal story and background, but has evolved into a Viking-themed podcast that explores all topics related to the Viking Age and even...
How often does Viking Story release new episodes?
Viking Story has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Viking Story?
You can listen to Viking Story on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Viking Story?
Viking Story is created and hosted by Alan Laycock-Fuchs.
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