The Icelandic Roots Podcast

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!

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/

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 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

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

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/

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

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

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