The Icelandic Roots Podcast

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

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.

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

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.