Skal Podcast

The guys hop on Zoom to chat before the Xmas/Yule festivities start and go into Norse News about Asatru Folk Assembly being approved for a new church in Minnesota, rune stone discoveries, Yule cat statues, and the new Yule pack for Assassin's Creed Valhalla. With the main topic, we hear both sides of the argument over the connection of Odin to Santa Claus. Have fun with this quick episode and we'll see you in 2021! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

In the lead up to Yule, Kris provides some hints at new mead to try and Skal products to buy. Norse News covers some excavation, a fact checking article for the Last Kingdom, and a new podcast show with a guest appearance by Einar Selvik talking about his involvement on Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The main topic for this episode dives into the Yule witch, Gryla, her kids the Yule Lads, and ends talking about her pet, the Yule Cat! Get ready for this festive time and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys come together and drink some of Dansk Mjod's Odin's Skull while recapping and telling new tales. Norse News involves fun clips of Trick or Treat's Sam throughout the year, a Wardruna YouTube series, a cover of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song in Old Norse, and a school teaching Old Norse. Then it all things martial arts. What is Glima? How does it compare to other martial arts? What are the rules and structure of competition? And even some references to the sagas. A mead and combat filled episode sure to please the gods! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

With Scott under the weather from testing positive for COVID-19, Kris sets a warm fire, cuddles up with the dogs, pours some mead, and leads us through a new episode. Norse News is media rich with new trailers, cancelled shows, notes on old content, and product affiliation to Norse themed media. The main topic goes into detail on Alfablot, both how to celebrate and the focus of this celebration at this time. Have a great Alfablot, Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The boys kick off with a little bit of what's been going on with the show and them personally before jumping into Norse News as usual. This episode's Norse News includes hordes of coins, hordes of decapitated bodies, consensus on the shieldmaiden debate, and more ranting from a well intentioned Grimfrost post about the upcoming Assassin's Creed game. Then the main topic covers connecting with a specific deity and is it the right choice for you. Kris also walks provides a starting point for exploration into how to worship them and when. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Kris and Scott come in hot with some updates on what the show is doing like concrete Norse workout gear and equipment for new content. Then Norse News goes over some new films and shows as well as content from Marvel's Mighty Thor comic series. Finally they cover Vinland more thoroughly since we're hot off the topic with the recent review of the film Pathfinder. All of this while Kris throws back some classic Viking Blod mead from Dansk Mjod before heading to camp for his next mma fight. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Scott and Kris kick it off quickly with no new mead and go straight into various pieces of Norse News. There's archaeology, wild Karens, and sad examples of religious oppression. After the latest news, the guys sample a fan suggested band, Kris turns in his book report on Return of Odin, and they rip into the 2007 film Pathfinder. There's great info pulled from the book and fun laughs about the movie to be had, all over some horns of mead. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

This episode introduces a new mead, previews some new ventures with the Skal team into fitness equipment and videos, and some Norse News on new books, renewed shows, behind the scenes info, as well as archaeology. Then the guys dive into fate and the Norns that spin the threads of destiny. What is the Norse idea of fate? How can we change it? Are we truly the masters of our own destiny? Find out in this episode! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

After a long layoff, the boys are back with all new mead and stories. First is a new mead from Sweden thanks to a distributor in Boston, MA. Then right into Norse News for another great archaeological find full of blacksmith tools, an interview with Johan Hegg of Amon Amarth about Viking lifestyles helping fight climate change, as well as an announcement from the guys at Grimfrost coming out with their own Viking film aiming for a level of authenticity not yet achieved by other projects. Finally, Scott leads us through the chaotic eye for an eye war between rivals biker gangs throughout Scandinavia. Did they act and bring honor to the old ways of Viking warriors? You be the judge. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Kris and Scott toast some limited edition B. Nektar mead, preview some new Norse themed products from Viking Supps, Viking Gear MMA, and Grimfrost and then jump into Norse News. They discuss a new mead hall being built in Denmark as well as update everyone on the details of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The main topic covers a quick look at runes overall before focusing on bind runes legitimacy and how to create them. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Kris and Scott come back strong and review the mead previewed in our unboxing video as well as discuss seven meads that everyone must try! With Norse News, the guys discuss the new announcements about Assassin's Creed Valhalla and the return of the Last Kingdom. Finally the guys go through and talk about various forms of torture and rituals and also analyze the evidence behind them. Make sure you listen to this one on an empty stomach. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Despite still being in lockdown, Kris and Scott try using Google Hangouts to video chat long distance. There's new Norse News about a new Viking program in Norway and an interesting archaeological find. The guys also just have an open discussion about certain trends in Norse discussion groups online and re-evaluate the "acceptance criteria" for entrance to Valhalla. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Kris tastes some new mead from Maniacal Meadery Co while giving the skinny on the show's status from the corona pandemic. There's a few new products introduced in the show with reviews to come. Norse News covers some corona handling from Iceland, an Assassin's Creed Ragnarok update, and a unique archaeological find. Then the main topic covers Norse bronze age economics that setup the Viking Age way of life and social classes. Staff safe, pray to Eir for health in these troubling times, and Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Kris keeps it short and sweet with a new mead flavor from Moonlight Meadery and dives right into lesser known goddesses as well as famous warrior women in Norse myths and possible history. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The boys go over the weekend shenanigans where Kris honored the gods through a one on one mma battle. Kris covers not only the match but the Norse ties and rituals he went through in the process. Then after reviewing some new artwork that'll be posted on the Skal socials for Norse News, Scott leads us through a history lesson on the Lombards and their impact on ancient Europe. All this while tasting a new mead from an Arizona meadery. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Due to an upcoming mma match, this solo episode with Kris has no mead review but instead starts off with some Norse themed product reviews from supplements to training gear. Norse News covers some show changes/additions and the Heathen copyright issue. Norse News also goes through a few Netflix series that have both been announced and released for Greek and Norse mythology. The main topic then dives into setup and organization for a rune study group. There's meditation techniques, building your own rune set, and even a consecration ritual for your new rune set. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Kris samples a fruity mead from Schramm's Meadery, in celebration of a long awaited topic Scott has been wanting to discuss, the Varangian Guard. For our Star Wars listeners, they're like the Norse version of the Mandalorians. But before jumping into the main topic, it wouldn't be Skal Podcast without some Norse News! Check the Facebook page for those news articles and more while enjoying the latest episode! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys take some time to recap the recent Yule/Christmas celebrations and ring in goals for the new year both personally and with the show, all while sampling a new flavor from B. Nektar! Let us know what you want from the show in 2020 and as always, SKAL! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

With some cider from B Nektar to taste, Norse News checks Kris's Frozen 2 predictions, gives the scoop on the futuristic nation of Asgardia, reminds everyone about of Krampus due to the recent Krampusnacht, and even mentions a prize winning bulldog named after Thor himself. All this before diving into more Finland information that wasn't covered in the first part and sets the stage for future episodes on the Northern Crusades. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Back to the regular routine, the guys bust open two new bottles of mead while going through various Norse News articles including the Netflix Vikings spin-off, Frozen 2 being shown in Sami, as well another archaeological find from Nashville, TN of all places. From there Kris tries to give a explanation of what Asatru is and some of the affiliations in the area. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys go through some news including an update on Josh's involvement with the podcast, a few previews for a future episode on Polish Slavs and their traditions vs Norse, and the remains of a female warrior gets digitally reconstructed. From there, Kris and Scott break down the film Valhalla Rising on its film merits and any Norse connections and accuracy. Grab horns, pour some mead, and enjoy. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Scott and Kris pop open a bottle of The Harrow: Salvation finally and give a quick review. Norse News covers new terms for Scandinavian fanboys, a sword hoard discovery, some werewolf tales to add onto last year's Halloween topics, and a cool Hemsworth family fact that makes the thunder god himself proud. The main topic covers Bragi, who he is, his possible origins, and his mad beef with Loki. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Due to a potential competition, the episode becomes a dry session with no mead reviews. Instead Kris and guest Scott Neal, jump right into Norse News revealing pagan traditions in hidden areas of Europe, one in Sweden and another in Southern Bavaria. Scott then tells us about his journey throughout some of Europe before discussing the main topic of Finnish mythology and it's differences and similarities to Scandinavian myths. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Kris rocks this episode by himself and introduces a new mead that will be tasted later. Norse News uncovers some new archaeological finds including a sword at high altitude and a Stonehenge like structure in Spain. The main topic goes through the Old Icelandic Calendar, its months, and their meanings. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The first of our new review episodes, guest of the show Scott Neal returns to review the 2013 film Vikingdom. Fresh off the local festival Crafts on the Clinton, Kris breaks down the experience, the flavors, and the breweries/meaderies. Then he jumps right into shredding the film apart and myth checks the elements of the plot. Join us for this and more reviews and as always, Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

We break the normal episode format and bring on close friend Scott Neal, a former lawyer and history buff, to discuss Viking law, his experience with Norse mythology, and general shenanigans. Scott brings some great research and refreshing points of view to the show. And of course, there's new mead! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

More new mead from both B. Nektar and Crafted, some new updates on the show including merchandise, and a little Norse News kicks off the show. Norse News covers a statue of Odin being recovered and an odd report which theorizes that Vikings didn't use a shield wall technique in battle. The main topic though covers the current tensions in Hawaii with the Polynesians and the fight against a new telescope being built atop Mauna Kea, a sacred mountain for the locals. The guys even discuss what's a special place to them that they feel needs protecting. Careful, this one might touch ya. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

After a new mead tasting, the guys cover some developments for the show and personal lives. With Norse News articles on sex, beauty, relationships as well as a new grave with a Slavic warrior woman, the guys do their best to discuss women's rights in ancient Scandinavian society. Because how better to understand ancient women than from two bros. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Back in action, after Josh's adventure at Electric Forest, the guys go over the experience of Forest, Rave Viking, the summer solstice, and then close with a polarized argument on the film Midsommar. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

After running through the latest flavor of new meads, a bunch of fun Norse News, and a few status updates on the show and future partnerships, Kris and Josh play a little game of with quotes of wisdom. The rules are simple, one person reads a piece of philosophical wisdom and the other responds with an interpretation. Let the game, and episode, begin! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

After seeing Neil deGrasse Tyson live in Detroit, the guys run through some interesting Norse News before giving a breakdown of the event and the knowledge shared. Whether its news of Sweden's policy on Norse runes and hate symbols or astrophysics from the legend himself, a great cast awaits you in this episode! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

In preparation for the final episode of Game of Thrones, ignore any cooking in the background, the guys discuss Ravens at the Tower of London during Norse News. They also get into some Game of Thrones thoughts before the last episode premieres before jumping into the main topic of Norse music and instruments. Josh talks about the many know instrument types and the use of music in the culture! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys are finally allowed to talk about Avengers Endgame freely without worry of SPOILERS. They also get into some Norse News involving the game franchise Assassin's Creed and cover Beltane and it's meaning. Horns up....Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys reflect on some Game of Thrones, keep it hush hush about Endgame, spread some Norse News and discuss the idea of worshiping in temples....all while throwing back some new mead! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

After their latest guest is forced to cancel, the guys start talking and see where it takes them, keeping it Norse/religion related. Norse News has an interesting bread making recipe straight from a successful baker in Iceland. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts. Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Getting back in the swing of telling tales, the guys disscuss the tale of Harbard taunting Thor and was it Odin or Loki in disguise. All of this after some excited Norse News about imbuing ancestors and spirits into weopans when smithing! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Another great episode filled with mead, some Norse News articles, and a discussion on the Havamal and its significance! Skal! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

After last week's episode discussing the pros and cons of religion as a whole, the guys start to question....is too much faith a bad thing? Kris has a crazy ritual experience that might give a clear picture of what's too far. That and Norse News looking at an article disproving the idea of Vikings being a supreme race. SKAL! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

In a nutshell, is an organized religion a good thing? What are the positives? What are the down sides? The guys have an open debate and talk about Norse diets in Norse News! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

From riding sharks to soaring with the birds, the guys look at the connections to animals in cultures and religions. Norse News has some great news for coin collectors and of course, plenty of mead. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Since Kris is still enamored with The Last Kingdom and Scade, the guys take a look into the role of seers and mystics in Norse society, specifically the Volva. They even spend some time discussing final thoughts on The Last Kingdom as a whole as well as some not so great movies that happen to have Viking in the title. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys have been watching a lot of Norse movies and Tv lately and break down thoughts on the movie Redbad and The Last Kingdom. The main topic is an open conversation about trying to take control of your life vs letting fate decide. Pretty sure you can guess who is on each side. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

In true Valentine's Day fashion, the guys tell the myth they love the most and why. They also cover a special tombstone mentioned in some Norse News which leads into some #Cnutling --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

For the special 20th episode, Kris takes the lead and runs us through what sets the tribes of Vikings apart and why history just remembers them all as Vikings. Plenty of Norse News and announcements as well so kick back and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys give some plans on upcoming episodes, including an interview with Harley Wallen, cover some norse news, and tell some shinanigans from that trickster bitch, Loki. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Despite the continuing efforts of Loki to keep the guys from releasing a new episode, they pulled it off to cover symbols used in Norse paganism and even have some product and ritual reviews. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The first episode of the new year, the guys breakdown the shows progress and its goals for 2019. They review a new mead from Dansk Mjod while throuwing random Norse topics at each other for open discussion. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Aquaman may be the bro of the seas but this episode discusses the god of seas, Njord and his giant wife Skadi. We talk about their marriage, his Hamptons beach house, and how Skadi hated it all. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Keeping with the Yule theme this month, Skal Podcast takes on the popular Krampus and the less popular, especially in Josh's eyes, Tomte. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

The guys are back, in mostly black, reviewing the meaning of Yule, its rituals for celebration, and even Yule Logs 101. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support

Despite a slight delay to release, the guys breakdown the appropriation and transformation of Yule traditions into Christmas as we know it today. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skalpodcast/support