The Icelandic Roots Podcast

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 convers...

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...

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 wor...

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 episod...

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 enchantin...

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 at Hofsós. He also narrates fascinating adventures of driving north with Kent Björnsson and chronicles...

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 make this festival a cherished annual event. It's a gathering that brings people of all ages, backgrounds,...

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 into the profound impact of Bill Holm's writings. Together, they embrace the essence of the Icelandic...

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 geological puns), hotdogs in Iceland, more Snorri stories, and an overall enlightening discussion on...

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 - where young people of Icelandic descent from North America and Iceland explore their shared heritage. Wh...

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 heritage through events like the Icelandic festival. Julianna Roberts, with her lifelong involvement in the...

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 grew up in Eyford in Thingvalla Township, North Dakota, and always had an interest in family history. I...

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.  

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.    Non-Icelanders can view the Saga Map at: http://sagamap.hi.is/is/   Learn more about Icelandic history, herita...

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 music. Her band, Mise en Scene, was named Rock Artist of the Year in 2021 at the Western Canadian Music A...

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 interviews from some of our friends, family, and volunteers who had the opportunity to see the volcano...

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 more about Icelandic culture, heritage, history, and language on our website  www.icelandicroots.com . ...

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", where he chronicles his Icelandic family's journey to North Dakota.  Wayne's book, Song for Liv, is availab...

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, culture, and genealogy, connect with us on our website  www.icelandicroots.com  and find us on social med...

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 also talk to Icelandic musician, writer, and actor, Bragi Valdimar Skúlason, about his connection to Kái...

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 into a thriving non-profit, and her vision for the future of the organization.  The featured song of thi...