Episodes
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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 perspectives on American culture and the immigrant experience within the “melting pot” of the U.S. and Canada.
Sigfús recounts personal adventures like getting lost on Washington Island. And what he's learned about Icelandic emigrants like Chester Þórðarson and his innovations in electrical transformer technology.
As an English major with ambitions to be a teacher, Sigfús reflects on language learning and the educational system of Iceland. To wrap up the conversation, he also explains his process of recently publishing a book.
This is a philosophical, eloquent, and wide-ranging conversation, blending genealogy with forward-looking insights.
We hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more episodes from the Icelandic Roots Podcast!
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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 and the resilience of rural communities.
We explore the challenges and possibilities of sustainable practices, pondering the future of Icelandic agriculture.
Discover innovative greenhouses, thriving fish farms, and traditional sheep farming that make Iceland unique.
We discuss future food production, the impact of imports and exports, and even the ongoing debate on building more road tunnels.
From the beauty of the Westfjords to the intrigue of the recent presidential election (including Banana Bread with cheese!), this episode is a captivating journey through history.
Enjoy this modern saga of a young Icelander's views on the world and his country.
We conclude the podcast with Simbí reciting some Icelandic poetry.
Stay tuned for more Icelandic adventures with us here at Icelandic Roots!
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Missing episodes?
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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 setup in a warehouse in Hofsós, overlooking the stunning fjord of Skagafjörður. She shares her insights on rural tourism, Icelandic food production, and the controversial topic of salmon fish farms. Discover why she chose Hofsós, why aquaponics is pivotal to her vision, and how it all ties into the future of "Agri-Tourism" Learn more & visit Ísponica's website: https://isponica.is/about/aquaponics/
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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 episode dives into the past and present of tuberculosis in Iceland. We explore why tuberculosis was once known as the "Romantic Disease" and how it has impacted society through culture, healthcare, and even fashion!
We'll discuss her work, and Björk of course.
We hope you enjoy this truly fascinating journey through Iceland's fight against the "Great White Plague" and discover stories of hope, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.
For more information, watch Icelandic Roots Webinar on Destination Hælið: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6uQnujl3T0&t=2820s
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Journey to East Iceland with Hjördís Hilmarsdóttir, 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 Egilsstaðir region and all of East Iceland - spanning from Seyðisfjörður to Vopnafjörður!
Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes, she has dedicated herself to documenting hiking trails and natural areas, from iconic destinations like Hengifoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls, to lesser-known hidden gems.
Hjördís also introduces her Siberian huskies, some of the only sled dogs of their kind in all of Iceland!
Delve into Hjördís's fascination with the stories of farms abandoned during the Askja eruption and the North American emigration years. Through her well known documentary work, she sheds light on these historical narratives and their enduring significance.
We also discussed the Wilderness Centre in East Iceland - a place that embodies the deep connections between nature and the human experience in Iceland.
Enjoy this journey through the wonders of East Iceland, guided by the passion and expertise of Hjördís Hilmarsdóttir.
Link to the East Iceland Abandoned Farms Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Tb8SqS6BU&t=1389s
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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 book "Leirarskotta, Icelandic Girl Ghost."
In this captivating episode, Doreen introduces us to the intriguing concept of 'Ghost Genealogy,' recounting her personal quest to unravel the mystery of a family ghost that has lingered for eight generations.
Through her evocative storytelling, she seamlessly intertwines her Icelandic Roots, writing inspirations, and global adventures, uncovering unexpected connections and themes across cultures and histories (including some surprises like China).
Moreover, Doreen delves into her recent article featured on the Icelandic Roots blog, exploring the significance of Icelandic bibles in the immigration to North America and how their swift translation into Icelandic may have played a crucial role in preserving the Icelandic language.
Draugasögur fyrir góðar stundir!
Read Doreen's Blog on the history of Icelandic Bibles: https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/bibles-in-the-icelandic-immigration-to-north-america-part-two
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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 Icelandic sagas - timeless literary treasures that offer profound insights into history and human nature.
Drawing from his extensive immersion into the sagas, Jason provides valuable tips and tricks for navigating these legendary books, offering fresh perspectives on sagas like Njal's Saga, Saga of the Volsungs, Egil's Saga, and the Vinland sagas.
Whether you're an Icelandic literary enthusiast or a newcomer to this fascinating realm, this episode promises to deepen your understanding and appreciation of these timeless tales.
Journey with us through history, mythology, and the human psyche, as we unravel the mysteries of the Icelandic sagas together!
"Fate guides all, both gods and men."
-Gunnar of Hlíðarendi quote from Njal's saga which reflects the belief in a predetermined destiny that permeates many sagas - the fatalism that Jason refers to in the podcast.
Here's one of Jason's article's about the Vinland Sagas:
https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/the-vinland-sagas
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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 services as a tour consultant.
We delve into Kent's journey of how he made Iceland his home with all his diverse adventures along the way.
From the recent volcanic eruptions to the future of Icelandic tourism, Kent also offers insightful tips for those contemplating working or living in Iceland.
He's also an experienced traveller outside of Iceland and he shared with us stories of his recent 'round the world trip including some surprising twists like how he ended up as the only English speaker on a Disney train tour of Taiwan!
More on Kent: https://www.icelandicroots.com/ir-volunteers/kent-l%C3%A1rus-bj%C3%B6rnsson
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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 approximately 1 in 1250 Icelanders without a melanoma diagnosis.
Icelandic descendants face heightened susceptibility to these cancers, with many carrying the inherited CDKN2A mutation.
Curtis has made it his personal mission to bring awareness to these health concerns. Raised on his Icelandic immigrant grandparents' homestead, Curtis has dedicated more than two decades to preserving Icelandic heritage serving as President of the Icelandic Communities Association. Additionally, he has been recognized for his community service as a state Senator, twice earning the title of “Legislator of the Year” by the North Dakota Township Officers Association. Among other Icelandic stories, we also talk about the Deuce of August Icelandic Celebration, North Dakota's longest-running ethnic festival, now in its 125th year! Read the article here:https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/icelandic-cancer-related-gene-mutation-information The Deuce of August:https://www.thedeuce.org/ -
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 Podcast, Karen retells the Icelandic Ghost Story of The Deacon of Myrká (Djákninn á Myrká).
The mystical Myrká of Eyjafjörður where the story is set is west of Akureyri (you can find the locations in this story on Icelandic Roots maps).
Our Podcast concludes with information on the life and times of Stephan G. Stephansson (1853–1927), the most well-known Icelandic-Canadian Poet. Born in Skagafjörður, he emigrated to North America and eventually settled in Markerville, Alberta, where he self-educated, wrote, fathered & farmed.
Rediscover Western Iceland through storytelling & history.
We hope you enjoy this Podcast & checkout our Blog for more: https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/the-deacon-of-myrk%C3%A1-on-christmas-eve
Following the tradition of oral storytelling & practicing the art of active listening & improvisation listen to our other episodes of The Icelandic Roots Podcast.
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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 distinguished Icelandic-Canadian author.
(Laura's literary works, deeply rooted in Icelandic heritage, earned her two Governor General's awards for literature. In 1923, Salverson introduced her inaugural novel, "The Viking Heart.")
Moving past conventional boundaries, we dance delicately between the paranormal & the historical; myth & reality; emotion & truth...
"Who am I to tell this story?"
Discover valuable insights on overcoming the fear of becoming a storyteller & journey thru Western Icelandic Heritage, touching diverse landscapes from Markerville & Red Deer to British Columbia & the wandering gypsy spirit of Saskatchewan.
"There's Truth in Every Story... Where is the Truth for you in that story?"
Let this thought resonate as we navigate the Icelandic sagas & folklore, questioning what is fact and what is metaphorically true.
Explore the nuanced perspectives of history, from the written word to oral storytelling, intertwined with emotions & memory.
Bridging the gap between past and present.
Enjoy listening & lookout for Part 2 of our Podcast.
Discover YOUR Icelandic Roots: IcelandicRoots.com
For more about Karen Gummo, visit http://karengummo.com
Learn about Laura Salverson: icelandicroots.com/post/torment-and-triumph-in-the-nineteen-twenties
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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 genealogists might discover within the vast digital archives our society is constructing.
Atli and Julie share valuable insights into Iceland, the Snorri Programs, and the promising paths ahead for our North American-Icelandic communities.
Strong is the Bond.
Cheers to 2024 and the enduring legacies of Snorri and Icelandic Roots!
Samband Íslands og Norður-Ameríku: mál, tækni og framtíð ættfræðinnar.
We're thankful for your continued support of Icelandic Roots!
Follow the Podcast for more conversations like these - and do be sure to checkout IcelandicRoots.com
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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, Canada, where he has ancestral emigration ties.
Julie, previously a writer and editor for the Lögberg-Heimskringla and a longstanding member of the Icelandic Roots team, currently resides in Germany.
In our conversation, we dive deep into the connections between North America and Iceland. We explore Icelandic language learning, discussing its future and sharing insights from both a native speaker (Atli) and a language enthusiast (Julie).
The discussion expands to the Icelandic Roots database, drawing comparisons with what Icelandic citizens access through the Íslendingabok. Join us for a fascinating exploration of heritage, language, and the intricate ties between two lands.
For those keen on Icelandic culture, history, and meaningful connections, the Snorri Program offers a unique immersion opportunity. If you're interested, check out www.snorri.is for program details, deadlines, and application requirements. It's one of the best ways explore Iceland & connect with your heritage.
& you can always learn more of your heritage on the Icelandic Roots database.
Our public newsletter: https://www.icelandicroots.com/newsletter-signup
Find upcoming events on our calendar:
www.icelandicroots.com/event-calendar
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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 on the lives of people and their safety in regions prone to seismic events.
Continuing our exploration, we delve into the recent history of Icelandic eruptions, speculating on what 2024 might bring for volcanic activity in Iceland.
Another fascination we explore is the intriguing relationship between volcanic eruptions and Icelandic tourism. We reflect on the impact Eyjafjallajökull had on tourism and consider the potential allure of the current Fagradalsfjall volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula and the town of Grindavík.
In this episode, we also touch on the recent development of the theory of plate tectonics and its connection to the historic Map of Iceland by Abraham Ortelius - full of sea monsters and other curiosities…
To wrap up the podcast, we read an excerpt from the book "Living Planet" by British Naturalist David Attenborough of BBC fame on the topics of Icelandic Geology and volcanoes as the "Furnaces of the Earth."
Subscribe now for the latest insights into all things Iceland - from geology to genealogy, we've got you covered!
Listen to Part 1 of our interview with Julian Lozos.
And checkout our Blog for more:
https://www.icelandicroots.com/blog
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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 has explored recent eruptions on the island and immersed himself in Grindavík and the geological wonders of that region.
In Part 1, we delve into the captivating history of Fagradalsfjall's eruptions. Situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, this active volcano, a relic of the Last Glacial Period, triggered a temporary state of emergency in Grindavík and disrupted operations at the Blue Lagoon Spa.
What could 2024 have in store for volcanic activity in this mesmerizing region? Find out in Part 2.
Subscribe for the latest on all things Iceland.
Explore Icelandic Volcanic History on our Blog:
https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/50th-anniversary-of-eldfell-eruption-at-westman-islands
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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 understanding history, unraveling the profound connections that history opens up in our surroundings.
Our conversation extended to the magic of travel and the unique experiences of farming, as Nelson recounts his adventures in caring for ~150 animals on his farm.
Exploring myth, story, and the parallel realms of history, a captivating conclusion to our conversation with Icelandic historian Nelson Gerrard.
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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 together genealogy, language, and the allure of myth in a captivating exploration of our roots.
In Part 1, Nelson discusses the restoration of historic houses with the Icelandic River Heritage Sites and shares insights from his time living and working at the Emigration Centre in Hofsós, Iceland.
Nelson illuminates his lifelong dedication to genealogy - a fascination that first gripped him at the tender age of 12. Listen in to find out what sparked his interest in Icelandic history and learn the role pride has in understanding one's heritage. We also glean insights into his book-writing process and so much more.
Explore further at https://www.icelandicriverheritage.ca/
And for additional learnings check out our blog https://www.icelandicroots.com/blog
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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 Eliza Reid, Alfreda Jonsdottir, Nancy Marie Brown, and translator Philip Roughton. And has covered works by Halldór Laxness, Hannah Kent, and Bill Holm.
Tune in for a captivating discussion on Icelandic literature, community building, and the future of Icelandic Roots.
Follow this link for more on our Book Club: https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/join-the-icelandic-roots-book-club
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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 Winnipeg, Manitoba. His passion for Viking culture and history shines through, making this episode a riveting journey through time and heritage. For more about Zach and to explore his work, visit his website at https://zfsigurdson.com/.
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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 Centre, uncovering its profound ties in the picturesque town of Hofsós.
The podcast also takes an enchanting detour into the world of Icelandic horses, celebrating their importance in the Skagafjörður region. Dive into the natural beauty of this stunning fjord, often regarded as the jewel of Iceland's fjords.
Discover the magic of helping individuals connect with their Icelandic heritage through genealogy at the museum, as Jack and Mallory share heartwarming stories.
Lastly, the episode offers a forward-looking perspective on genealogy, discussing how future generations will continue to embrace their family history and the vital role of genealogy in preserving cultural heritage.
Checkout the brand-new website for the Emigration Centre:
https://www.hofsos.is/this-is-us
And follow our Blog for more stories of Icelandic History and Culture:
https://www.icelandicroots.com/blog
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