The Icelandic Roots Podcast

Icelandic Roots
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
The Icelandic Roots Podcast

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.

  1. APR 21

    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 grandmother, acclaimed Icelandic-Canadian author Laura Goodman Salverson. Drawing from her father’s 1963 travel journals and her own journeys—including a meaningful trip to Iceland—Julie shares how the past ripples into the present. We talk about her experience hearing storyteller Karen Gummo recount one of Laura’s tales, and the significance of meeting Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, Iceland’s former president and a trailblazer for women worldwide. As we dive into Julie’s writing process, we explore how she sees memoir as an act of witness—writing as understanding, thinking on the page, and reckoning with diverse perspectives through time. Our conversation touches on the philosophical nature of history, the weight of inherited stories, and how the act of documenting becomes a thread across generations. From radio scripts to personal memoir, and from immigrant stories to international travels, this episode weaves together art, ancestry, and the enduring power of writing to carry memory forward. Find her book here: https://bookstore.wolsakandwynn.ca/products/a-necessary-distance Or check your local bookstore!

    49 min

  2. APR 1

    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 Icelandic descent with their roots. Atli unpacks what makes Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Copenhagen, Denmark, two of the most "Icelandic" cities outside of Iceland, tracing their history, traditions, and evolving cultural expressions. From Viking migration to modern identity, this is a wide-ranging conversation—from Atli’s time in Denmark, where he mastered riding a bicycle with no hands, to his adventures in Canada, exploring the Rocky Mountains and the Icelandic diaspora.   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 And if you want to take stock of your Icelandic heritage, explore the Icelandic Roots database and stay in touch through our public newsletter: https://www.icelandicroots.com/newsletter-signup

    59 min

  3. MAR 21

    Infant Mortality: Iceland’s 1800s Medical History | 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 stories from Icelandic history by examining parish records. Susan shares her insights into Iceland’s shockingly high infant mortality rate—once the highest in all of Europe—and the role tetanus played in this tragedy. We investigate how medical advancements during this era helped improve survival rates and what these historical health challenges reveal about Iceland’s past. From the struggles of early settlers to the genealogical ties that continue to link Icelandic families to Utah, this episode offers a picture of Icelandic ancestry, the Latter-day Saints, and the medical history that shaped the development of Iceland—highlighting remarkable survival stories that influenced both nations. Learn more on the blog: https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/infant-mortality-in-iceland

    58 min

  4. MAR 6

    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 efforts in cultural preservation. Mark shares his experiences learning the Icelandic language firsthand, offering humorous anecdotes and reflections on the challenges of embracing a new culture. From incredible days at sea to wild nights with Brennivín, he recounts how the warmth of the Icelanders—and a few drinks—helped him pick up the language faster than any textbook. We explore the deep connection between language, family, and identity—with plenty of laughs along the way.

    1h 4m

  5. FEB 15

    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 page in new and engaging ways. This conversation offers insightful perspectives on writing family histories and leveraging modern tools to preserve the past. With unexpected twists — like the surprising success of Pepper: The Story of a Lost Dog — this discussion highlights the creative journey, the importance of storytelling, and how history and art shape our understanding of the present. His work underscores the value of documenting personal and family histories, not just for ourselves but for future generations.   Find his books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Brian-Borgford/author/B0088L0ULC?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    51 min

  6. 11/12/2024

    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 connection to her Icelandic roots. Through their conversation, Audrey shares how walking the landscapes of her ancestors helped her better understand the bonds between family, heritage, and identity. She discusses how this experience reshaped her sense of place, deepening her connection to both her Icelandic heritage and her own family, both past and present. With a B.S. in Foreign Service, Audrey offers insights into the intersection of heritage, geopolitics, and identity, exploring how these forces influence personal connections to history and home. Takk fyrir.

    57 min

  7. 09/23/2024

    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 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!

    1h 21m

  8. 06/18/2024

    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 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!

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Icelandic Roots
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Icelandic Roots Podcast

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