The Icelandic Roots Podcast

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.

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!

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!