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, and nationalities together to experience the spirit of Iceland right here in Manitoba, featuring li...
Aug 02, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 diaspora, sharing Icelandic connections Rooted within a global community. Further yet, they recount ...
Jul 24, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 the natural sciences of Iceland and beyond. From the Holocene Epoch to the Anthropocene, to the Basal...
Apr 21, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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. Whether you're a fellow Snorri alum or simply interested in learning more about Iceland and its people...
Apr 07, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 Icelandic community, now manages the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, MB....
Mar 31, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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. In 2003, she connected with Icelandic genealogist Hálfdan Helgason and started helping George Freeman w...
Mar 24, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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.
Oct 05, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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, heritage, and culture with our public newsletter: https://www.icelandicroots.com/newsletter-signup Find the Fitnes...
May 19, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 Awards. Their new music and upcoming shows can be found on their website: www.misensceneband.com Lear...
Apr 26, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 up close with their own eyes. Join us as we hear them describe their experiences and impressions. Rea...
Mar 18, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 . Find upcoming events on our calendar: www.icelandicroots.com/event-calendar...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 available for purchase from the North Dakota State University: https://epayment.ndus.nodak.edu/C22800_ustore...
Oct 07, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 media as “Icelandic Roots”.
May 18, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 Káinn’s poetry and his band, Baggalútur’s latest album, which features a full list of Kaínn’s poems tur...
Mar 29, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 this episode is "So Cold" by Sigrun Stella, so listen to the end!
Feb 03, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 1
