Podcasts about Icelandic

Michael, Evan, Pax and Rob gather again in the lounge to discuss novelty ties, Icelandic pop music, Rooster (some more), Punisher movies, and our favorite comfort meals and TV episodes.

2026 marks 10 years since I moved to Iceland, which is honestly a little hard for me to believe. I can still remember stepping off the plane, starting work, and feeling like my brain was being bombarded with things that seemed foreign or strange. Even hearing Icelandic names like Ása, Björn, and Arnbjörn took some getting used to. https://youtu.be/AKL2qYEzEkU Fast-forward a decade and so many of those things don’t even register as unusual anymore. They’re just…life. Living in another country for this long has also made me realize how much our definition of “normal” is shaped by where we grow up. Things that initially made me think, People actually do this?! are now things I barely notice, and in some cases, things I do myself. Here are 10 things that have become normal to me after living in Iceland for 10 years. 1. Letting Babies Nap Outside This might be the biggest transformation of them all because I went from thinking this was absolutely bizarre to doing it with my own baby. I learned about babies napping outside when I first visited Iceland in the winter of 2013. At the time, I couldn’t understand how people could possibly be comfortable leaving a baby outside to sleep. Then I had a baby. Halli’s mom showed us how to bundle her up properly so she could be warm while getting fresh air outside, and it completely changed the game for us. At one point, she could sleep for around three hours outside when an indoor nap might only last about 20 minutes. It’s also something you regularly see in Iceland. You can walk through residential neighborhoods or even pass cafés in downtown Reykjavík and see a stroller outside with a sleeping baby while a parent or caregiver is nearby and checking on them. Years ago, that sight would have immediately caught my attention. Now? Completely normal. 2. Thinking 60°F (15°C) Is Warm New York Jewells would like a word with current Jewells. I moved to Iceland in June 2016, and I remember seeing Icelanders walking around in shorts, T-shirts, and sandals when it was about 60°F/15°C. Meanwhile, I had on long pants, sneakers, a sweater AND a jacket. I genuinely thought, What is wrong with these people? This isn’t warm! Then something happened. I acclimated! After experiencing Icelandic winters and then feeling the temperature climb again, 60°F started feeling legitimately warm. If it’s around 60°F, sunny and, this is important, there’s no wind? That’s practically tropical now.  3. Accepting That Icelandic Summer Is Not Guaranteed Growing up in New York, summer meant something. You knew it was going to get warm. Probably hot. Possibly way too hot! Iceland technically has four seasons, but I’ve joked that we really have two: winter and summer. Halli says it’s more like winter and fall.  The bigger adjustment was realizing that just because the calendar says “summer” doesn’t mean Iceland’s weather has agreed to participate. You can have rainy, windy and chilly stretches where there’s plenty of daylight but hardly any actual sunshine. There have been summers when I felt cold for what seemed like the entire season. It’s also no surprise that plenty of Icelanders escape somewhere warmer when Iceland isn’t delivering the summer weather they want. Tenerife, anyone? Icelandic summer exists. Whether it decides to show up is another question. 4. Living With 24-Hour Daylight The nearly endless daylight of Icelandic summer is something I absolutely love now. When I first moved here? Not so much. My brain could not understand why I was supposed to be sleeping when it looked like the middle of the day outside. I tried sleeping with eye masks, but I didn’t find them particularly comfortable, and I constantly felt energized to stay awake and do things. Eventually, though, my body adjusted. After a few years, I could sleep through Icelandic summers without thinking much about the daylight outside. Now I LOVE this part of living here. Being able to go outside incredibly late at night and still have a bright sky is one of those Icelandic experiences that still feels special, even though it has become normal. 5. Living With the Very Short Days in Winter Of course, Iceland likes extremes. If summer gives us almost endless daylight, winter gives us the opposite. Around the shortest day of the year, we get only about four hours of daylight. And while the days technically start getting longer again after the winter solstice, those changes happen slowly enough that the darkness can feel like it lasts forever. My first Icelandic winter was rough! I remember feeling like I was basically holding on until winter ended so I could finally experience that release of summer again. And then came May 2017. Winter seemed to be over. I had made it! And then…it snowed. In May! I was MAD.  I felt personally betrayed by Icelandic weather. After surviving winter, snow in May felt like the weather was playing games with me. Now, I understand that unexpected weather is simply part of living here. Snow showers can happen incredibly late in the season, and Icelandic weather has a mind of its own. Over the years, I’ve also figured out what helps me through the dark months: getting outside, exercising, keeping myself occupied and usually having a big project to work on. The first couple of winters required some serious adjustment. After that, I found a rhythm that works for me 6. Having Limited Produce Options This is one thing I still REALLY notice when I leave Iceland. The variety of fruits and vegetables available here can be limited compared with what I was accustomed to in the United States. Sometimes you have a couple varieties of apples. Around Christmas, clementines and mandarins are everywhere. Other things appear periodically, but Iceland is an island that imports a significant amount of its produce, so we’re simply not going to have the same selection you’d find in a massive American supermarket. And yes, you sometimes need to inspect that produce pretty carefully. Then I go back to the U.S. and walk into a Whole Foods or Sprouts and practically lose my mind. Peaches, plums, nectarines, different varieties of apples! KALE! The kale situation in Iceland particularly gets me because I’ve seen it grown here as decoration and I’m thinking, Can you please just put it in the grocery store so I can eat it?! Still, I’ve stopped viewing the limited selection as inherently negative. It’s simply part of living on an island. And when I travel, I appreciate the variety elsewhere that much more 7. The Icelandic Stare Ohhhh, the Icelandic stare! Coming from New York, staring at strangers is generally not something you do. Then I moved to Iceland and suddenly people were LOOKING at me. Not glancing, staring! I’ve been told part of this comes from the small-town nature of Icelandic society. People might look at someone because they’re trying to figure out whether they recognize them or know their family. That took some serious getting used to. There was one experience when I lived in Árbær where a woman drove past me while practically turning her head to continue staring at me. I remember wondering whether something was happening around me before realizing, Nope. She’s looking at me. As a Black woman walking through a suburban Icelandic neighborhood, I couldn’t know whether she was simply curious, trying to recognize me, surprised to see someone who looked like me, or something else entirely. Eventually, I developed a coping mechanism: Staring contests. If you’re going to stare at me, I’m staring back.

Phil and Emily are joined by Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson, hosts of The Queer Quadrant, for Lee Tamahori's Die Another Day (2002). Pierce Brosnan's last outing as James Bond runs from a North Korean prison to an Icelandic ice palace, with Halle Berry surfacing as NSA agent Giacinta "Jinx" Johnson in the follow-up to her Monster's Ball Best Actress win. Rosamund Pike (in her screen debut), Toby Stephens, a Madonna theme song, and a famously invisible Aston Martin fill out the most gadget-drunk Bond of the early CGI era.The four dig into Jinx as the almost-spinoff that never happened, how a 40th-anniversary Bond tips all the way into digital excess, and why this particular entry burned itself so vividly into their childhood memories. There's a real case here for reading Die Another Day as the exact moment the Brosnan era buckles under its own kitesurfing, para-sailing weight. Gaudy, campy, and gloriously overblown same as the movie.Follow the show & guests:Podcast Like It's... - https://www.instagram.com/podcastlikeitsPhil Iscove - https://www.instagram.com/pmiscoveEmily St. James - https://www.instagram.com/emilystjamsBrooke Solomon - https://www.instagram.com/brookebsolomonJordan Gustafson - https://www.instagram.com/jordan_gustafsonThe Queer Quadrant - https://www.instagram.com/queerquadrant

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach found himself in the middle of a firestorm this week after confronting an Icelandic couple who interrupted his vacation on the volcanic island. Shmuley says Samuel Gudmundsson posed as a fan seeking a selfie before surprising him with a political message - 'f*** Israel.' The rabbi posted a video of himself following Gudmundsson and his girlfriend through the streets of Reykjavík, accusing them of antisemitism and vowing to press charges. However, Shmuley's vigilante gambit has largely backfired in the court of public opinion.  The pair meet again on Uncensored to hash it out - plus Piers Morgan is joined by Steven Crowder to talk fascism, Candace Owens vs Andrew Wilson and more. Piers Morgan Uncensored is proudly independent and sponsored by: Dose - new customers can save 35% on first month of subscription by going to dosedaily.co/PIERS or entering PIERS at checkout Polymarket: AOC third favourite to be President -  https://app.polymarket.us/S8ac/PIERS50 (00:00) Introduction (02:28) Samuel Gudmundsson (10:24) Rabbi Shmuley enters the chat (16:43) Involvement of Gudmundsson's girlfriend (29:48) Filming people ‘for clicks' (40:18) Stephen Crowder (52:22) Augusto Pinochet over Zohran Mamdani? (58:06) Avoiding Hitler (01:06:10) Candace Owens versus Andrew Wilson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Director Sara Dosa's latest film “Time and Water” follows Icelandic writer and poet Andri Magnason as he reflects on melting glaciers and his family's history. It premiered at Sundance to critical acclaim. Sara and Andri join Tiller on the show to discuss when Andri first captured Sara's imagination (5:30), how glaciers hold memories (11:30), the role of myth in the climate crisis (25:00), their collaborative writing process (33:00), and what frightened Andri most while making this film (40:00). Produced by: Jacob Miller Executive Producer: Tiller Russell Music by: James Carroll, Graham Tracey & Zydepunk Distributed by: Jake Brennan & Brady Sadler, Double Elvis Productions

THE LIGHT GATE - OPEN MIC NIGHT, Q&A The time has come for another Open Mic Q&A episode of The Light Gate! That's right! The Light Gate welcomes guest: You, the Audience. It's Open Mic Night! Date: August 10, 2026. Time: 5-7pm pacific / 8-10pm eastern Episode: 171 Discussion: UFOs & The Paranormal! It's Open Mic night! Tonight, The Light Gate features a Q&A episode with your hosts, Preston Dennett and Dolly Safran, and YOU, the audience! Ask us anything! UFOs, ghosts, OBEs, the paranormal, psychic abilities, disclosure, disintormation, the coverup! Time to have some fun. We will also be doing a book give-away contest! Preston Dennett began investigating UFOs and the paranormal in 1986 when he discovered that his family, friends and coworkers were having dramatic unexplained encounters. Since then, he has interviewed hundreds of witnesses and investigated a wide variety of paranormal phenomena. He is a field investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), a ghost hunter, a paranormal researcher, and the author of 30 books and more than 100 articles on UFOs and the paranormal. Several of his books have been Amazon UFO bestsellers. His articles have appeared in numerous magazines including Fate, Atlantis Rising, MUFON UFO Journal, Nexus, Paranormal Magazine, UFO Magazine, Phenomena Magazine, Mysteries Magazine, Ufologist and others. His writing has been translated into several different languages including German, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Icelandic. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including Midnight in the Desert with Art Bell, Coast-to-Coast and also the History Channel's Deep Sea UFOs and UFO Hunters and Ancient Aliens. His research has been presented in the LA Times, the LA Daily News, the Dallas Morning News and other newspapers. He has taught classes on various paranormal subjects and lectures across the United States. Dolly Safran has worked as a limo driver, assistant manager at Wendy's, a zookeeper, a bus driver, a security guard, a nurse, and more, including as a civilian worker for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and also in the Army as an employee for the U.S. Department of Defense. Her UFO contacts began around age one, and are still ongoing today. She is a fully conscious UFO contactee and the subject of the full-length book, "Symmetry: A True UFO Adventure." Sequel coming soon! LINKS WEBSITE: www.prestondennett.weebly.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@prestondennett577/featured FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/preston.dennett/ United Public Radio & UFO Paranormal Radio www.uprntalkradio.com

Mary Roach, author of Replaceable You, explores the past, present, and future of reconstructing or replacing human anatomy. Roach details the treatment of severe third-degree burns using allografts from cadavers or unconventional biological dressings like Icelandic cod skin. Advancements in 3D-printing allow researchers to use "ink" made of cells and collagen to create complex structures like heart ventricles and valves. Furthermore, the book examines xenotransplantation, which involves using genetically edited pigs to provide "stop-gap" organs for patients on waiting lists, and the potential for chimeras to grow human-compatible kidneys. Beyond high-tech solutions, Roach highlights the impact of tissue donation, where a single deceased donor can benefit 70 people through gifts of bone, skin, and corneas. Finally, Roach investigates the history of nasal repair and modern plastic surgeons' application of the Fibonacci sequence to achieve mathematical perfection in aesthetic procedures. (1)

For thousands of years, people have dreamed of walking off the map — lighting out for the remote unknown, into landscapes untouched and untamed. The classic wilderness quest is as old as literature itself: you go into the wild, and you come out changed. It's woven into ancient spiritual texts, medieval myths, and European accounts of the so-called "New World."But wilderness is an idea as slippery as it is powerful — and wilderness preservation is a complicated and often costly ideal. That's the territory Cal Flyn explores in her new book, The Savage Landscape: How We Made the Wilderness. An award-winning writer, Flyn has traveled — often alone — into some of the most remote and forbidding places on Earth: a desert monastery on Mount Sinai, deep into the Amazon rainforest, up a Tibetan mountain pass, and inside an erupting Icelandic volcano. She gets there by river skiff, deep-sea submersible, helicopter, and horseback, and along the way she finds moments of sheer wonder — and real danger.We talk with Flyn about the history of this ancient idea and why humans keep chasing it. With nearly 8 billion people on the planet, almost no place is truly untouched. So what IS wilderness? Why do we keep seeking it? And who pays the price? Plus: Steve talks with legendary poet and environmental writer Gary Snyder — now 96, once a friend of the Beats and a Zen apprentice in 1950s Japan — about his classic book The Practice of the Wild. Snyder also reads two poems. This is an excerpt from an archival conversation.  The original aired on Wisconsin Public Radio's To The Best Of Our Knowledge. This Wonder Cabinet episode was not funded, endorsed or affiliated with Wisconsin Public Media or the University of Wisconsin-Madison.—00:00:00 In Search of Wilderness00:03:00 Cal Flyn on The Savage Landscape00:32:40 The Sublime, Taboos and Sacred Groves00:49:55 From the TTBOOK Archive: Gary Snyder01:00:15 Credits and Farewell— Cal Flyn's website  Cal Flyn on Insta Book: “The Savage Landscape: How We Made the Wilderness” Book: “Islands of Abandonment”  Read more about Gary Snyder at The Poetry Foundation Read “Piute Creek” by Gary Snyder Read “Ripples on the Surface” by Gary Snyder Uncut Gary Snyder interview from TTBOOK Wonder Cabinet is hosted by Anne Strainchamps and Steve Paulson. Find out more about the show at https://wondercabinetproductions.com, where you can subscribe to the podcast and our newsletter.

How does Lutheran Heritage Foundation work around the globe? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (executive director, Lutheran Heritage Foundation), the Rev. Dr. Dinku Bato (Translation Coordinator, Africa, Lutheran Heritage Foundation), and the Rev. Dr. Ted NaThalang (Translation Coordinator, Southeast Asia, Lutheran Heritage Foundation) join Sarah at the LCMS Synod Convention to share updates in Icelandic and Norwegian languages, the Spanish Book of Prayer, materials in Swahili, the African translation seminary, pastors seeking Lutheranism in South Sudan, materials in Chinese and Indonesian, a new regional office in Malaysia, and how LHF approaches materials for second-generation immigrants around the globe. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Guest: Sævar Helgi Bragason  (Icelandic eclipse expert, organizer of Iceland's 2026 total solar eclipse preparations) Episode SummaryChris and Leticia interview Sævar, Iceland's leading eclipse expert, ahead of the August 2026 total solar eclipse crossing Iceland. Sævar shares his personal eclipse history, the massive undertaking of preparing an entire country for the event, and what to expect on eclipse day.Topics DiscussedSævar's name and background; his passion for "the cosmic ocean" over the seaHis eclipse history: 4 total eclipses seen (soon to be 5), including 12 minutes 21 seconds of cumulative totalityIceland's last total eclipse was 1954 — stories from elderly witnesses who still light up describing itThe pressure and emotional toll of organizing a national eclipse event (75,000–80,000 expected visitors)Eclipse economics: cruise ships (~40 in Icelandic waters), sold-out accommodations, eclipse-branded glasses (290,000+ distributed), skyr, beer, and champagneNorthern lights and aurora chances during totality; current solar maximum activityFamous eclipse-chasing stories: Indonesia island mishap, flying with John Beatty, private jet trips, shadow bands on videoAdvice for future eclipse organizers: turning off automatic streetlights, encouraging people to stay put if weather is goodEclipse day logistics: totality begins ~5:48 PM in Reykjavik; traffic and travel tipsThe emotional experience of witnessing totality — Sævar's own tears, and reactions from first-timersFuture eclipses: 2027 (Spain), 2028 (Australia), Saros series details, and long-term outlookMerchandise: branded eclipse glasses, T-shirts featuring Völuspá (Norse mythology poem about world's end)Shoutout to Jamie Carter for recommending the interview, and to American Paper Optics/Paolo for eclipse glasses productionNotable Quotes"It's just been the 12th of the most beautiful minutes of my lifetime, for sure.""If I can use the billion dollars to buy clear skies, then definitely the billion dollars.""You'll experience the shortest, most unique, probably most memorable nighttime of your life."Key Dates MentionedAugust 2026 – Iceland total solar eclipse2027 – Spain eclipse2028 – Australia eclipse2044/2045 – Future US eclipses discussedLeticia Ferrer's site: https://texassolareclipses.com/Host Chris Chotas Alexander's Sitehttps://www.chotachrome.com/IG: @chotachromeTotality Talks is created by Leticia Ferrer and Chris Chotas Alexander.  Totality Talks is produced by Chris Chotas Alexander.  

This week on Earthling Entertainment, we sit down with the “Good Witch of Hollywood,” Patti Negri (00:29:55 - 01:14:13) to discuss her career, modern witchcraft, Ghost Adventures, and the paranormal. Join the knowledge jaunt as we uncover the legends behind three bizarre creatures—the Peryton, the Icelandic Útburður, and Maryland's infamous Snallygaster—in Spooky Stuff! Examine newly released, declassified UAP footage in Disclosure Discussion! Get up to date on the latest genre headlines in Earth Pop. Then prepare to have your giggle muscle tickled by an insane Real World Weird. All this and a whole lot more on this week's episode of the Earthling Entertainment podcast!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/earthling-entertainment/donations

Planning to rent a car in Iceland? Learn how Iceland’s new road tax works, why it was introduced, how it affects tourists, and how you can save money on your rental. I’ll also explain why not all rental car companies charge the fee the same way and share my recommendations after living in Iceland for the past 10 years. One of the biggest reasons I recommend renting a car in Iceland is the freedom it gives you. Some of my favorite memories have come from pulling over at an unexpected waterfall, taking a detour because someone mentioned a hidden canyon, or completely changing my plans after seeing that the weather was better in another part of the country. Those spontaneous moments are often the highlights of an Iceland trip. That’s why, when Iceland introduced a new road fee at the beginning of 2026, I immediately started getting questions from members of the All Things Iceland community. People wanted to know: What exactly is Iceland’s new road tax? Why did Iceland introduce the road tax fee? Does it apply to tourists? How much will it cost? Should I still rent a car? How to budget for Iceland’s new road tax fee How can you save on a rental car in Iceland? If you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’re definitely not alone. In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Iceland’s new road fee, including why it was introduced, how it works, how it affects tourists renting cars and camper vans, how different rental companies handle the fee, and some practical ways to save money while planning your Iceland road trip. https://youtu.be/oqXebmLiA38 What Is Iceland’s New Road Tax? Although you’ll often hear people, including me, refer to it as Iceland’s new road tax, the official name is the kilometer fee, or kílómetragjald in Icelandic. The fee officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, and it’s designed to help fund Iceland’s road infrastructure in a different way than before. Under the standard government system, most passenger vehicles are charged 6.95 ISK per kilometer driven, although rates vary depending on the vehicle’s weight and classification. Unlike a toll road where you stop to pay at a booth, this fee is based on the total number of kilometers a vehicle travels. For Icelandic residents who own a vehicle, the fee is reported and paid according to government regulations. For visitors, however, the process is much simpler because your rental company handles it for you. That means you don’t have to register with the Icelandic government or report your mileage yourself. Instead, the rental company collects the fee as part of your rental agreement before paying it to the government. This is where many travelers become confused because not every rental company chooses to pass that fee on in the same way. I’ll cover that in detail a little later because understanding this difference can make budgeting your trip much easier. Experience Tip: One thing I’ve noticed after helping thousands of travelers plan trips to Iceland is that most people assume every rental company calculates this fee exactly the same way. That’s actually not the case, and knowing the difference before you book can save you both money and uncertainty when you’re planning your budget. Why Did Iceland Introduce the Kilometer Fee? Moving Away from Fuel Taxes At first glance, it’s easy to assume that Iceland simply added another fee for travelers. But the reality is a bit more nuanced. For many years, Iceland paid for a significant portion of its road maintenance through taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel. The idea was simple: the more you drove, the more fuel you purchased, and the more you contributed toward maintaining the country’s roads. That system worked well when nearly every vehicle relied on fossil fuels. However, Iceland has seen a rapid increase in hybrid and fully electric vehicles over the past several years. Those vehicles still use the roads every day, but they purchase much less, or no, gasoline or diesel. As a result, the government was collecting less revenue from fuel taxes while road maintenance costs continued to grow. The kilometer fee was introduced to create a funding system that applies more consistently across different types of vehicles, regardless of how they’re powered. As with any major policy change, it has generated plenty of discussion within Iceland. Some residents feel the reduction in fuel taxes doesn’t fully offset the new kilometer fee, while others see it as a fairer way to fund the country’s road network. For travelers, though, the most important takeaway is understanding how the fee works and how your rental company chooses to collect it, because that’s what will ultimately affect your budget. Does the Kilometer Fee Apply to Tourists? Yes. Whether you’re visiting Iceland for a long Ring Road adventure, spending a week exploring the South Coast, or taking a short getaway around Reykjavík and the Golden Circle, this new fee applies to rental vehicles. If you’re someone who loves taking scenic detours (and trust me, Iceland will tempt you to do exactly that), knowing how your rental company charges this fee can give you much more peace of mind. How Rental Car Companies Charge Iceland’s New Road Fee Some Companies Charge by the Kilometer This is probably the pricing model most travelers expect. Some rental companies simply pass the government’s kilometer fee directly on to you. When you pick up your vehicle, the current odometer reading is recorded. When you return it, the rental company calculates how many kilometers you’ve driven and charges the corresponding road fee. The benefit of this approach is that you’re paying for exactly the distance you traveled. If you only plan to drive around Reykjavík for a couple of days, this could result in a relatively small road-fee charge. The downside is that your final cost isn’t always easy to predict. If your plans change, which they often do in Iceland, you may end up driving much farther than you originally expected. Suddenly, that carefully planned travel budget starts to look a little different. Other Companies Charge a Flat Daily Road Fee Some rental companies have chosen a different approach.vRather than charging based on every kilometer driven, they charge a fixed road fee for each rental day. For example, Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers currently charge a mandatory road fee of €10.50 per rental day, regardless of your insurance coverage or how many kilometers you drive during your rental. Personally, I really appreciate this pricing model. One of the first things I tell people planning an Iceland trip is to leave room for spontaneity. Maybe you hear about a hidden hot spring from another traveler. Maybe someone recommends an incredible canyon that wasn’t on your itinerary. Maybe the weather forecast changes overnight, and you decide to spend the day exploring a completely different region. Those things happen all the time here. With a flat daily fee, you’re free to make those decisions without wondering whether every extra kilometer is increasing your final bill. Instead, you already know what the road-fee portion of your rental will cost before your trip even begins. For me, that kind of predictability is worth a lot. Experience Tip: I’ve changed my itinerary countless times because of Iceland’s weather. It’s one of the best travel decisions you can make here. Having a predictable daily road fee means I can focus on enjoying the adventure instead of mentally calculating extra costs every time I decide to drive somewhere new. The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland If you’re still deciding which rental car is right for your trip, I’ve created a free Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland that goes far beyond the new kilometer fee. Inside, I cover how to choose between a 2WD and a 4×4, Iceland-specific insurance recommendations, gravel roads versus F-roads, parking rules, winter driving tips, common mistakes to avoid, and much more. I recently updated it to include Iceland’s new kilometer fee, so you’ll have the latest information all in one place. Click Here Is Renting a Car Is Still One of the Best Ways to Explore Iceland? Absolutely. Even with this additional cost, I still believe renting a car is the best way to experience Iceland for most visitors. One of the things I love most about living here is that Iceland constantly rewards curiosity. Some of the country’s most memorable places aren’t found on a typical itinerary. They’re discovered because you decided to stop at an overlook, follow a sign pointing toward a waterfall, or take a scenic detour after chatting with another traveler. Having your own vehicle gives you that freedom. You’re not rushing to catch a tour bus, worrying about train schedules, or feeling like you have to leave somewhere just because everyone else is. Instead, you can experience Iceland at your own pace. That’s something I think is incredibly valuable. Of course, the new kilometer fee does add another expense to your trip. But in the grand scheme of an Iceland vacation, I don’t think it’s a reason to avoid renting a car altogether. Instead, it’s simply another cost to understand and plan for before you arrive. Experience Tip: Some of my favorite days in Iceland have been the ones where I threw my original itinerary out the window because the weather was better somewhere else. That kind of flexibility is difficult to put a price on, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I continue recommending rental cars over guided tours for many travelers. Budgeting for the Iceland’s New Road Tax No matter which pricing model your rental company uses, my advice is simple: Plan for the road fee before you arrive. Just like budgeting for fuel, parking, or accommodation, this is now another normal part of planning an Iceland road trip. The good news is that once you’ve factored it into your budget, there really aren’t any surprises. In fact, I think the bigger financial mistakes people make when renting a car in Iceland have nothing to do with the road fee at all. Choosing the wrong type of vehicle. Skipping important insurance coverage. Driving roads that aren’t suitable for their rental. Or underestimating Iceland’s weather. Those are the kinds of mistakes that can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Compared to those, understanding the road fee is actually one of the easier parts of planning your trip. Below is a way that you can save money on your rental car in Iceland. How to Save Money on a Rental Car in Iceland (Even With the New Road Fee) If you’re already planning to rent a car or camper van, there’s no reason not to take advantage of available discounts. I’ve partnered with Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers because I’ve personally used both companies for years, and they’ve consistently provided excellent customer service and reliable vehicles for my adventures around Iceland. When you book through my discount links, you’ll receive: Go Car Rental Iceland 7% off your rental Free 4G WiFi (simply select it under the Extras section when booking) Go Campers 7% off your camper van rental Free sleeping bag (select it in the Extras section) The discounts are automatically applied when you book through my links and enter your rental dates, making them an easy way to offset part of Iceland’s new road fee while supporting All Things Iceland at no additional cost to you. Continue Planning Your Iceland Road Trip Understanding the new road fee is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re still deciding whether you need a 2WD or a 4×4, wondering which insurance is actually worth purchasing, or trying to understand Iceland’s gravel roads, F-roads, parking rules, and seasonal driving conditions, I’ve put everything together in my Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland. It’s completely free, regularly updated, and designed to help you avoid the most common mistakes travelers make before they even arrive in Iceland. Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland’s New Road Tax Fee Can tourists avoid Iceland’s road fee? No. If you’re renting a car or camper van in Iceland, the road fee is part of the cost of driving. The way it’s charged depends on your rental company, but it isn’t something visitors can opt out of. Is it still worth renting a car in Iceland? Absolutely. Even with the introduction of the road fee, I still believe renting a car offers the greatest flexibility and allows you to experience parts of Iceland that many tour groups never visit. Why do some rental companies charge a flat daily fee? Some companies have chosen to simplify the government’s kilometer fee by charging a predictable daily amount instead. For example, Go Car Rental and Go Campers currently charge a mandatory road fee of €10.50 per rental day, regardless of how many kilometers you drive. Is a flat daily fee better than paying per kilometer? It depends on your travel style. If you’re planning very little driving, paying per kilometer could potentially cost less. However, if you’re planning a Ring Road trip or simply want the freedom to take spontaneous detours without thinking about every kilometer, many travelers, including me, appreciate the predictability of a fixed daily fee. Random Fact About Iceland Did you know that Iceland’s famous Ring Road (Route 1) stretches approximately 1,322 kilometers (821 miles) around the entire island? While many visitors dream of driving the complete Ring Road, some of the country’s most unforgettable experiences come from venturing beyond it. Scenic detours to places like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, the Westman Islands, or even into the remote Highlands often become the highlights of a trip. Snæfellsnes Peninsula Westfjords Westman Islands Highlands of Iceland That’s one of the reasons I think it’s so important to understand how your rental company charges Iceland’s new road fee. If your itinerary changes—and trust me, it often does because of weather or unexpected discoveries—you’ll already know what to expect when it comes to your driving costs. Icelandic Word of the Day One of my favorite parts of the All Things Iceland podcast is sharing an Icelandic word or phrase at the end of each episode. Today’s word is: Kílómetragjald Pronunciation: KEE-loh-meh-trah-gyald The word is made up of two smaller Icelandic words: Kílómetri = kilometer Gjald = fee or charge Put them together, and kílómetragjald literally means “kilometer fee.” This is the official Icelandic term used to describe the country’s new distance-based road charge that came into effect in 2026. So, if you happen to see news articles, government information, or conversations in Icelandic about the new road fee, you’ll likely come across the word kílómetragjald. It’s a fun word to know—not just because it relates to this topic, but because it also gives you a little insight into how Icelandic words are often built by combining smaller words to create a very literal meaning. Planning to rent a car in Iceland?  Before you book, grab my free Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland. It includes everything you need to know about Iceland’s new kilometer fee, choosing the right rental car, insurance, F-roads, parking, winter driving, and more. And if you’re ready to book your rental, don’t forget to use my 7% discount links for Go Car Rental Iceland (plus free 4G WiFi) or Go Campers (plus a free sleeping bag) to save money on your trip.

In this episode Mike, Steve and Amanda tackle seven new releases. NB: This episode was recorded in two sessions as not everyone was available on the same day.  As usual, click the link to be taken to a trailer for each film!   We kick off with THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT (Acorn), an adaptation of a survival horror video game! Renny Harlin returns to shark territory with DEEP WATER (Signature Entertainment). THE FIRES (Signature Entertainment) is an Icelandic disaster movie featuring erupting volcanoes... MOCKBUSTER (Miracle Media)  is a documentary charting a film-maker's journey directing a film for The Asylum... THE MORRIGAN (Thunderbird Releasing) is a folk horror set around an archeological dig site in Ireland THEY WAIT IN SHADOWS (Miracle Media) is a British horror set in a small suburban house... TINSMAN ROAD (Blue Finch Film Releasing) is a found footage/mockumentary about a man seeking answers to the disappearance of his sister many years previously. Our Short Shot is DUPED:! - A TIME LOOP THAT BREAKS, in which a woman returns home after a bad date and is subjected to strange goings on. The DTV Throwback is INTO THE SEA: THE REEF, a DTV sequel to the Paul Walker/Jessica Alba film. The film is available on Youtube HERE, and I'm sure other streaming sites. Don't forget to also check out our pages on FACEBOOK and BlueSky! Find us here: @thedtvdigest.bsky.social  

In this very special Saga Brief, we sit down with Ármann Jakobsson (one of our favorite saga scholars) to discuss his latest book, Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas (Palgrave Macmillan). Following the theme of the book, we dive into the many overlooked and often nameless characters who so often breathe life and meaning into the sagas. Since we have mentioned Ármann so many times on the podcast, we also take advantage of the opportunity to revisit his extensive bibliography, including The Troll Inside You, A Sense of Belonging: Morkinskinna and Icelandic Identity c. 1220, and his reimagining of the life of Þórólfr bægifótr in Glæsir.  Of course, it wouldn't be a Saga Brief interview without a little discussion of the sagas and their place in Icelandic culture. And all of this leads to a brief philosophical exploration on the power (and potential peril) of doubt as a driving force in human society.  All of this and more awaits you (like which great saga character Ármann finds most boring)! Once you've listened, reach out via our social media and let us know about your favorite minor characters in the sagas we've covered. Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Saga Thing's unofficial official Discord Music Credits: Introduction –from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur Outro – Ólafur Liljurós  

This week, Movies 101 will be discussing three movies made by foreign directors. They are the haunting British time-travel tale “Rose of Nevada,” the Icelandic domestic study “The Love That Remains” and the Croatian historical documentary “Fiume o Morte!

Subscribe to Throwing Fits on Patreon. Dare to dream a little smaller, darling. This week, Jimmy and Larry are breaking down all the details of their latest collab with Sun Buddies which is available right now, iconic cafe reposts, driving the deal sleds like they're stolen because they are, microchecks, unpacking James' latest nightmare which involves menswear content creation, we'll be in Copenhagen next week, Danish vs. Icelandic glizzies, financial empathy, luxury facials at the Dior Beauty spa, extraction satisfaction, quarterly skincare routine check-ins, Bushwick rooftop pools, Lawrence is officially Upstate New York pilled, from the sauna to the creek, forgetting you gave a bunch of sick gifts, LVMH's Bernard Arnault joins Twitter to clap back against a 6-part exposé that basically accuses him and his family of being Succession, being evil and funny are not mutually exclusive, LeBron James is joining the Sixers but reverse commuting from New York City via helicopter which officially makes him the city's latest transplant, and much more.

Before going viral, Tara DeFrancisco already had a list of talents she's known for. She is a comedian, performer, actor as well as an educator and adjunct professor.Now, she's best known for her social media accounts where she posts humorous and inspirational content.A Columbus-based poet planned a visit to Iceland, but she wasn't expecting it to turn into one of her most successful exhibitions: A Journey of Iceland — From Darkness to Light.The piece includes poetry of her time in Iceland, as well as music and visual elements by an Icelandic artist she met on her trip.The CEO and co-founder of the Women of Color Retail Alliance was just recognized as a member of Columbus Monthly's 2026 class of Inspiring Women.The organization is working to diversify retail jobs and elevate women of color within those roles through training and support networks.We're talking to all three on this week's edition of Fascinating Ohio.Guests:Tara DeFrancisco, comedy performer and social media influenceErin Boggs, poet, Journey of Iceland: From Darkness to LightKimberly Lee Minor, CEO/co-founder, Women of Color Retail Alliance

This week Movies 101 will be discussing three movies made by foreign directors. They are the haunting British time-travel tale “Rose of Nevada,” the Icelandic domestic study “The Love That Remains” and the Croatian historical documentary “Fiume o Morte!

Before going viral, Tara DeFrancisco already had a list of talents she's known for. She is a comedian, performer, actor as well as an educator and adjunct professor.Now, she's best known for her social media accounts where she posts humorous and inspirational content.A Columbus-based poet planned a visit to Iceland, but she wasn't expecting it to turn into one of her most successful exhibitions: A Journey of Iceland — From Darkness to Light.The piece includes poetry of her time in Iceland, as well as music and visual elements by an Icelandic artist she met on her trip.The CEO and co-founder of the Women of Color Retail Alliance was just recognized as a member of Columbus Monthly's 2026 class of Inspiring Women.The organization is working to diversify retail jobs and elevate women of color within those roles through training and support networks.We're talking to all three on this week's edition of Fascinating Ohio.Guests:Tara DeFrancisco, comedy performer and social media influenceErin Boggs, poet, Journey of Iceland: From Darkness to LightKimberly Lee Minor, CEO/co-founder, Women of Color Retail Alliance

Rachel and Irene get serious with former NYC homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi (Homicide 360, Anatomy of Murder) as she discusses the “tells” she has learned when someone is lying on the stand. Also  a glimpse into her Icelandic heritage with its firm belief in  gnomes and elves! And Irene had some woo woo of her own this week -- a vivid dream and ensuing sign, literally from above! You can catch bonus content now on the Woo Woo YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WooWooPodcast. Follow us on Instagram! @raedratch @irenebremis @mjrodriguez7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the secrets of strength, resilience, and longevity that have stood the test of time! In this episode of “Random Fit,” hosts Wendy Batts and Ken Miller take you on a journey around the world to explore cultural conditioning and ancient proverbs from Iceland, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Norway, China, and the Philippines.

We here at Bald, LLC are proud to present: "The Essence of Consequence," our ultra-natural deodorant lovingly compounded from Icelandic aloe, pulverized cedar bark, ceremonial Scottish peat, and the pollen from downtown Los Angeles sidewalk dandelions. We take this proprietary blend and strain it through a used pair of nylons from our 2022 live tour, and we do it all without a single vulgar ingredient proven to work in any way whatsoever, as ethics can't scientifically prevent perspiration or odor. Each artisanal swipe transforms your underarm into a thriving, biodiverse wetland, allowing you to greet the day with the moral serenity of someone who has personally defeated chemistry and the sinister concept of “smelling fresh." Because let's face it: feeling good about what you wear is important, even when wearing it is an olfactory assault to all those within twenty feet of you. Ready to upgrade your home for way less? To shop all things home and get your space ready for less, head to: https://Wayfair.com To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more, visit: https://Hims.com/BALD Find the functional gummy that matches exactly what mood you're looking for! Use promo code BALD when you check out to save 20% on your first order at: https://mood.com Follow Trixie: @TrixieMattel Follow Katya: @Katya_Zamo To check out our Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/trixieandkatya⁠⁠⁠ To watch the podcast on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/TrixieKatyaYT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To check out our official YouTube Clips Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/TrixieAndKatyaClipYT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to follow the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/thebaldandthebeautifulpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to support the show, and get all the episodes ad-free go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebaldandthebeautiful.supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To check out future Live Podcast Shows, go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://trixieandkatya.com/#tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To check out the Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, CA: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.trixiemotel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen and Watch Anywhere! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/thebaldandthebeautifulpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Trixie: Official Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.trixiemattel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@trixie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trixiemattel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trixiemattel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter (X): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/trixiemattel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow Katya: Official Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.welovekatya.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@katya_zamo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/welovekatya⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/katya_zamo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter (X): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/katya_zamo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   #TrixieMattel #KatyaZamo #BaldBeautiful Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How was folklore woven into the everyday life of medieval Icelanders? How did they make sense of the darkness of their world?During Iceland's endless nights, tales of trolls, ghosts, elves, hidden people and restless spirits were far more than entertainment: they explained an unpredictable existence, preserved history, and warned against unseen dangers.Dr Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Dagrún Ósk Jónsdóttir, to explore the extraordinary legends and oral traditions that continue to shape Icelandic culture today.MORENorse Mythology: Creation MythsListen on AppleListen on SpotifyWelsh Folk TalesListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Experience an Icelandic moss valley beneath a grey sky, as rain falls across the landscape and a breeze moves through the highlands. Recorded entirely on location in one of Iceland's most untouched natural environments. Whether you're falling asleep, studying, meditating, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, let nature's peaceful rhythm help your thoughts slow and your mind unwind. Download the Your Sleep Guru™ app for exclusive guided meditations, sleep stories, nature soundscapes, courses, and bonus episodes, all in one ad-free place. Creating these sleep stories and soundscapes is truly a labour of love. If you'd like to support the podcast with a donation, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/S9D8B33QVSJJU Your kindness helps me continue creating new episodes and bringing more peaceful places from around the world to your ears. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following, rating, reviewing, or sharing an episode with someone who could use a better night's sleep. Every bit of support helps this independent podcast reach more listeners. Thank you so much for listening! Sweet dreams.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sara Dosa joins the show to discuss her new documentary, Time and Water, an exploration of the dramatic shift in Iceland's landscape, where melting glaciers threaten to wash away not only the ice but family and cultural history. Dosa enters the terrain through the work of Icelandic poet and science fiction writer Andri Snær Magnason, who wrote an obituary for the first glacier in his country that was declared moribund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todd had a surprise birthday party. Sean kept recording anyway. Happy birthday, Todd.This week Sean sits down alone with author David Jon Fuller, whose debut novel Venue 13 is out now through Turnstone Press. What starts as a conversation about a ghost story set in a haunted Winnipeg theater quickly becomes something much deeper — a wide-ranging discussion about creativity, the bohemian life, what it costs to make art, why Icelandic culture produces so much of it, and how you keep your creative self alive when real life gets in the way.David has a background that covers theater, acting, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, two years living in Iceland on scholarship, journalism at the Winnipeg Free Press, and now fiction writing. The connections between all of those things — and between his life and the life of his novel's protagonist Robert — turn out to be more intertwined than even David realized going in.Along the way: the creative parallels between Iceland and Winnipeg, why doom scrolling is the enemy of reflection, what it means to romanticize the bohemian artist life versus living it, the Fringe Festival, INXS and Michael Hutchins, Def Leppard at Christmas, Kiss in October, the Killer Dwarfs and a handmade wooden box set that David built himself and got the whole band to sign, and why asking your library to stock a book is one of the best things you can do for a Canadian author.About the book: Venue 13 follows Robert, an actor who buys a haunted downtown Winnipeg theater while working a restaurant job to keep the lights on — a man at a creative crossroads, trying to hold his artistic dream together while real life pulls in every direction. It's a ghost story, but it's also much more than that. If the main building sounds familiar, Sean figured out exactly which one inspired it.About the guest: David Jon Fuller is a Winnipeg writer, journalist, and former actor whose Icelandic heritage took him to Iceland for two years on scholarship, where he became fluent in the language, performed in student theater productions in Reykjavik, and developed a deep connection to Norse folklore and ghost stories that runs through his writing to this day. He also copy-edited Chadwick Ginther's Ravenstone books, which is a very Winnipeg small world moment.Venue 13 is available at local bookstores, Chapters, Amazon, and — David's preference — by request at your local library.Find David:Website: https://www.davidjonfuller.com/Bluesky: @davidjonfuller.bsky.socialInstagram: @davidjonfullerFind us everywhere: @seangeekpodcast Website: seanmcginty.ca Support the show: patreon.com/seangeekpodcast

The Voices in Our Machines Were Learning Icelandic SongsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dark-mysteries-unsolved-mysteries-forgotten-secrets-unanswered-questions--5684156/support.Darkest Mysteries Online

Bob and Monét welcome Honey LaBronx to finally settle a long standing argument with Bob. Honey shares what it was like living with Bob as roommates, how they became roommates, and remembers some of their biggest arguments, including one over a broom. They also discuss Bob's philosophy on sharing common spaces, splitting household expenses, and how he triumphed over bedbugs. Plus, Honey confronts Monét about having a vegan talk show, shares the inspiration behind learning Icelandic, explains the proper pronunciation of Björk's name, and talks about how Bob changed the way she sees the world.

Coffee was done. He said he wanted to show me Iceland's real winter.But first, he needed to stop home and change. So I followed a man I'd known for less than three hours into his basement apartment.This episode: what was running through my head when the door closed? What did his bookshelf tell me about him? And why did the first Icelandic word I ever learned make me burst out laughing?Sometimes travel makes you brave. Sometimes it makes you a little foolish. That day, I was probably both.My website: flywithlily.com

The music is back with a letter in Icelandic from the Ninette san. We venture further north and talk about England, its football team and its rivers.

A look at Icelandic Political parties Email: whydocountriesexist@gmail.com Website: https://whydocountriesexist.libsyn.com/ Patreon: patreon.com/Whydocountriesexist797 Paypal: paypal.me/whydocountriesexist Feedback and request forum: https://forms.gle/H5hG9zcZbFPBAz8t7 Intro 0:00 Background and political structure 1:09 Social Democratic Alliance 4:18 Reform 9:41 People's Party 12:59 - Independence Party 16:27 Centre Party 20:38 Progressive Party 23:59 Socialist Party 27:50 - Pirate party 30:05 Left-Green Movement 31:52 Other parties 34:10 Outro 35:37

I walked into a café in Reykjavík to meet an Icelandic guy I'd matched with on Tinder the night before.We both froze for a second, unsure how to say hello. That small awkwardness, somehow, made everything feel natural.This episode: who he was, what we talked about, and the one sentence that changed the entire direction of my trip — "If you don't mind, I'd like to show you the real Iceland."Years later, the first thing I remember about Iceland isn't a waterfall or the Northern Lights. It's this café.My website: flywithlily.com

Over the last decade of living in Iceland, I've taken numerous solo trips around the country, including several solo camper van adventures. My very first solo camper van trip was a two-week Ring Road journey in May 2022, and it taught me more than I ever expected. I was excited, nervous, anxious, and completely ready to see what Iceland would feel like on my own. Since then, I've helped countless travelers plan their Iceland adventures through private consultations, and I've noticed the same questions and concerns come up repeatedly for people considering solo camper van travel. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or simply looking for practical advice, these are 21 of my biggest lessons, mistakes, tips, and honest thoughts after years of exploring Iceland on my own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVLaVg5G618 The 21 Tips I Share About Taking a Solo Camper Van Trip in Iceland Why a Heater Is Essential in an Iceland Camper Van How to Keep Yourself and Your Belongings Safe The Security Mistake Most Travelers Don’t Think About Why Good Insurance Can Save You Thousands Don’t Forget a Portable Charger Learn a Few Icelandic Phrases Before You Go Master the Art of Layering for Iceland’s Weather Packing Cubes Are a Camper Van Game-Changer Choosing the Right Camper Van Size What Comes Included in Most Iceland Camper Vans Surviving Middle-of-the-Night Bathroom Runs Why Water Shoes Deserve a Spot in Your Bag Bring Your Favorite Snacks From Home Not All Iceland Campsites Are Created Equal Visit Local Swimming Pools for Relaxation and Connection Cooking in a Camper Van Is Better Than You Think How to Avoid Expensive Speeding Tickets Check Weather and Road Conditions Every Day Exploring Iceland’s Highlands as a Solo Traveler Where You Can (and Can’t) Camp in Iceland Why Solo Travel in Iceland Is Truly Transformative Resources for Planning Your Iceland Camper Van Trip The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Iceland  Iceland Discount Code Bundle – save loads while exploring Iceland The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland Private Iceland Trip Consultations 1. Rent a Camper Van with a Heater Even during summer, Iceland can get surprisingly cold at night. A heater can make the difference between a miserable night and a comfortable one. I personally use the Go Lite Camper from Go Campers, and I run the heater almost every trip, even in July and August. Since you’re traveling alone, you don’t have another person helping generate body heat inside the van, so staying warm becomes even more important. 2. Always Lock Your Van Iceland is incredibly safe, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless. Whenever I left my van, even for a quick bathroom run, I locked it. I also locked it while sleeping at night. Most thefts are avoidable by keeping valuables out of sight and securing your vehicle properly. 3. Protect Your Personal Belongings While camper van break-ins are uncommon, pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist areas such as Reykjavík and popular Golden Circle attractions. It’s sad to say that pickpocketing has increased in recent years, so you have to be vigilant with securing your personal items in your backpacks or pockets.  Keep your bag zipped, valuables secure, and never leave important items visible.  This doesn’t happen on a massive scale in Iceland but it is happening enough that I have to talk about it. As a solo travel, you don’t have anyone else to look out for you, which can make you an easier target. 4. Get the Best Insurance You Can Afford This is one area where I recommend not cutting corners. Sand and ash protection is especially important in Iceland. Strong winds can cause serious damage to vehicles, and repairs can become very expensive if you aren’t properly covered. While this does apply to everyone who rents a car or camper van in Iceland, I feel it is very important for solo traveling because you are bearing the full cost on your own if something happens to the vehicle. Better to be protected than to be surprised with a big bill later on for damage that was not covered. Check what your credit card covers, but don’t assume it includes Iceland-specific risks.  Save Money on Your Iceland Camper Van Rental You can use my discount link to save 7% on your camper van rental with Go Campers and receive a free sleeping bag. I use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I've partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from. When you click on my discount link (https://www.gocampers.is/?ref=allthingsiceland), choose the dates for your travel and the 7% discount will automatically be applied. Choose a sleeping bag under the “extras” section, and the total price won't increase. And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's one of the ways you're supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that. 5. Bring a Portable Charger Your phone becomes your camera, GPS, communication device, and safety tool while traveling. A portable battery pack (power bank) has saved me numerous times when filming content or spending long days on trails. Plus, it is always necessary to have a charged device just in case you need to call for help, especially when traveling solo. Here is an affordable power bank option. 6. Learn a Few Icelandic Phrases Even simple phrases like: Góðan daginn (Good day) Takk fyrir (Thank you) can create meaningful interactions with locals. One of my favorite memories was chatting with a farmer in North Iceland who was genuinely excited that I was attempting to speak Icelandic. It certainly is not necessary to do this but a little goes a long way, in this instance. It was nice to be able to connect with Icelanders along the way, when I felt uop to socializing. 7. Learn How to Layer Properly Iceland’s weather changes constantly. A proper layering system should include: Moisture-wicking base layer Insulating layer Windproof and waterproof outer layer Hiking pants Sturdy boots This helps you stay comfortable without overpacking. You can find all of the essentials to pack in my free Ultimate Packing Checklist for Iceland. 8. Use Packing Cubes Packing cubes completely changed my camper van experience. Instead of digging through piles of clothes, everything stays organized and easy to find. When you’re living in a small space, even on your own, organization matters. My trip felt much more enjoyable because I could easily find clothes when I needed to, so I could continue on my adventure. These packing cubes are great! 9. Choose the Right Size Camper Van In my opinion, the size of your camper van does matter. Just because you are one person, doesn’t mean that the smallest size is the most suitable. I personally prefer a mid-sized camper van because it offers enough space to be comfortable while remaining easy to drive and park. I absolutely loved the ability to convert the bed into a table is especially useful during bad weather. It is work to make the conversion but it is totally doable as a solo traveler. 10. Know What Equipment Comes with Your Van Many camper vans already come with many things you need. The Go Lite Camper  that I frequently used and the other camper vans from Go Campers include: Portable stove Pots and pans Plates and utensils Electric cooler Running water sink Knowing what’s already included prevents unnecessary packing, and makes your solo traveling experience much easier. 11. Prepare for Cold Middle-of-the-Night Bathroom Runs This might be the least glamorous part of camper van life. I dreaded getting out of the van in the middle of the night to use the bathroom but I couldn’t avoid it. For those who don’t know, summer in Iceland can mean a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The evenings are normally chillier, so I figured out a strategy that works for me when it comes to these late night bathroom runs. Being warm and cozy inside your sleeping bag makes those late-night bathroom trips feel much harder. My solution: Park close to the bathroom Keep shoes near the door Have a sweater ready Bring your keys and phone I always locked my van when I left it, even in the middle of the night. Once, I got back in the van, I locked it again, because it made me feel secure knowing no one can get in the van while I slept. 12. Pack Water Shoes I learned this lesson the hard way. While visiting a hot spring in the Westfjords, I slipped and cut my toe. That was in the beginning of my first solo travel journey, and it sucked! It is not fun for that to happen, in general, but as a solo traveler, I was the only one there to take care of me. Yes, accidents can happen but some can be avoided. Bringing water shoes is added in protection from the elements, especially in natural hot springs. Water shoes provide: Better grip Foot protection Added safety at natural hot springs They’re now a permanent part of my packing list. Here are some water shoes that work well for Iceland. 13. Bring Your Favorite Snacks Travel fatigue is real. As a solo traveler, you are the only one making all of the decisions, cooking all the meals, doing the driving, and so on. Sometimes, you are too tired to make a full meal and if the weather is acting up, you might be in your van for a while. Having familiar snacks helps when you’re tired, hungry, or simply don’t feel like making another decision. Some of my favorites include: Protein bars Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Instant meals – like Ramen Trail mix These were life savers during or after a long drive when I didn’t have the energy or time to cook a full meal. 14. Research Campsites in Iceland Before You Go Not all campsites are equal in Iceland. Some offer: Hot showers Laundry facilities Kitchens Electricity Amazing views Others provide only the basics in Iceland, and the price can still be the same! I like to use tjalda.is to search for camp sites all over Iceland that have the amenities that I want. If I found one that suited my needs, like a shower and laundry facilities, I would look up the Google Reviews for the place to see what others have said about it. Sometimes, I was willing to stay at a basic campsite because of its proximity to the attraction I was going to next, but I at least knew before I arrived that it was a basic campsite. It’s also helpful to know that in summer, all campsites in Iceland are open, but during fall, winter, and spring A little research ahead of time can significantly improve your trip, and help you manage expectations. 15. Use Local Swimming Pools to interact with Icelanders Because almost every town, even really small ones, have a  swimming pool in Iceland, there are over 100 of them to choose from.  They are fantastic places to: Relax Shower Meet locals Enjoy hot tubs and saunas They’re also one of the most authentic Icelandic experiences you can have. Whether you feel like socializing or just having a relaxing soak, add some local swimming pools to your itinerary. 16. Cooking in Your Camper Van Is Surprisingly Cozy One of my favorite discoveries was how enjoyable it is to cook inside the camper van during rainy or very windy weather. It’s comfortable, practical, and often much cheaper than eating out every day. Plus, in the Go Lite camper, there are vents in the ceiling and it is easy to open the doors for ventilation  17. Watch Your Speed or Potentially Bust Your Budget Iceland takes speeding seriously. Fines can be extremely expensive. I’ve heard of travelers paying: $500 or even over $900 As a solo traveler, those type of fines can completely bust your budget. Since that is totally avoidable, stick to the speed limits and enjoy the scenery instead. 18. Check Weather and Road Conditions Daily Conditions can change dramatically across Iceland, even within the same day. I remember driving in an area with blue skies and a completely clear road to then encounter snow on the road and cloud coverage. That all happened within an hour in East Iceland. Granted, I was driving higher up in elevation, but those conditions are entirely possible in Iceland. You can be prepared for them by checking the weather ahead of time. My go-to resources before heading out for the day in Iceland are: SafeTravel.is Road.is 19. Be Careful When Exploring the Highlands Solo The Highlands are incredible, but they require extra preparation. There are many places in the highlands that are not great for solo travel because the roads are intense due to deep river crossings. If you’re new to Highland driving, a beginner-friendly area I highly recommend is Hveradalir geothermal area in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. I have been there many times and it’s an incredibly beautiful place. The road can get a little rough but it doesn’t require a river crossing, which is a big relief for anyone traveling there. Before going there, make sure your camper van is approved and insured for driving on F-roads. 20. Camp Only at Designated Campsites Wild camping with a camper van is not allowed in Iceland. Following the rules helps protect Iceland’s nature and avoids costly fines. You must stay at an official campsites. I think this an especially positive law for solo travelers because you are at a spot where others are around in case you need help, it is safe, and there are facilities around for you to use. As I mentioned in #14, not all campsites in Iceland are created equal, so please do your research on which campsite suits you before going there. You normally do not need to pre-book a campsite. However, I highly recommend doing so, if you plan to camp during two occasions in Iceland. The first is Versulnarmannahelgi (Shop Keeper’s weekend). It’s always the weekend that includes the first Monday in August. During that weekend, many Icelanders go camping around the country, so the popular campsites get booked up. The second occasion is specific to 2026, which is the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th. The prices for hotels and accommodations are thousands of dollars per night. Even camper van prices have increased for that week due to demand. It is worth booking campsites for at least the 11th and 12th. 21. Solo Travel in Iceland Is Truly Transformative This might be the most important lesson of all. Traveling alone gives you space to think, reflect, and experience Iceland at your own pace. Some of my favorite memories are simply standing in nature, listening to the wind, watching the landscape, and appreciating the freedom that comes with solo travel. It’s not always comfortable, but it is incredibly rewarding. Resources for Planning Your Iceland Camper Van Trip If you’re planning your own adventure around Iceland, these free resources can help: Ultimate Iceland Packing Checklist Know exactly what to pack for every season. Iceland Discount Code Bundle Save money on: Camper vans Car rentals Tours Activities Accommodations Iceland Car Rental Guide Learn about: Road signs Driving rules Insurance Road conditions Common mistakes visitors make Need Personalized Help? I also offer a limited number of private trip consultations where I help travelers create an itinerary, choose the right route, and maximize their time in Iceland. Happy travels, and I hope your solo Iceland adventure is as memorable as mine has been. Random Fact of the Epiosde During one of my camper van trips, I actually got stuck in the mud and had to get help getting out. Thankfully, someone kind helped because rescue services in Iceland can sometimes cost close to $1,000 depending on the situation. Icelandic Word of the Episode Húsbíll – camper van Hús means House in Icelandic and bíll means car, so it is literally a house car. Share this with a Friend Facebook Pinterest Threads Email Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega. Thank you for listening and see you soon.

Jason Lanier Unfiltered takes a fun and unexpected turn as Jason is joined for the very first time by two very special guests, his mom, Marilyn, and his brother, Sean, to relive their unforgettable family adventure across the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.From towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes to hilarious family moments that could only happen on a road trip, the three share their favorite memories, biggest surprises, and the moments they'd probably rather forget.What was it really like traveling with Jason? According to Marilyn and Sean... it involved a little more excitement than expected. Hear the stories behind Jason's spontaneous off-road adventure in their rental SUV, the unexpected encounter with the Icelandic police after a traffic violation, and the family dynamics that made this trip one they'll be talking about for years.Filled with laughter, honest stories, travel tips, and plenty of family roasting, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at Jason away from the camera and behind the wheel. If you've ever wondered what it's like to travel with a photographer who's always chasing the next shot, this episode is for you. Real Talk. Raw Stories. No B.S.

On our first night in Iceland, we huddled around a pot of Taiwanese instant noodles. The next morning, my friends left for their road trip. I stayed behind in Reykjavík alone — no fixed itinerary, no map, just a freshly downloaded Tinder app and an Icelandic guy who offered to show me places most tourists never find.This episode: the comfort of instant noodles far from home, the freedom of solo travel, and that particular feeling of opening a door without knowing what's on the other side.He would become my first Icelandic love story.My website: flywithlily.com

In this edition of The Iconograph, Jack and Miles are joined by multi-disciplinary artist/podcaster Prop to talk about the only icon who rolls their R's almost entirely at random: Bjork! They'll explore her unusual upbringing, her Icelandic music career, her rise to mainstream stardom and much more! WATCH: SNL Host IntrosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Must See Horror feature sees the boys get into a spot of bother whilst backing around Slovakia, as we discuss Eli Roth's Hostel. Arguably one of the biggest horror films of the 2000s, and one of the precursors to the "torture porn" genre that blackened the good name of horror, Hostel takes a look at the dark side of travelling as two American travellers (and one Icelandic charmer), get more than they bargained for when exploring for excitement. Featuring some mystery, foreshadowing and an extremely gory third act that just keeps amping up, the boys find themselves split on their opinions of this mid-2000s horror. There's debates around the intentions of the writing, the rewatchability, the pacing and the overall concept and execution of the film. But the most importantly is Hostel a Must See Horror Remember to hit that subscribe button and leave us a lovely review. There're new episodes every week, and we cover horror movies from new releases with spoiler filled and spoiler free reviews, to old classics and B movie gems.  You can find us on twitter and instagram @cmthpodcast or check out our website at https://castmetohell.podbean.com Theme by Dan Motti   

Learning more about a place when we travel there is something that always gives me a thrill, and in this episode we take a cultural deep dive into three very different aspects of culture across the world. I first chat with Silvia Gentile Polese who shares a story from her first trip to Bali, which started with a simple question about yoga but led to an unforgettable cultural experience. Next, I speak with Laura Pakenham about the work she does in the Irish language media and the impact of helping to keep up this minority language, and where it's led her to travel, too. Finally, Alda Sigmundsdottir tells me what she learnt when diving deeper into her own Icelandic heritage, peeling back some history in the culture of Iceland I'd not heard about. Links: Silvia Gentile Polese - https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/ 7 day slow travel itinerary for Bali - https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/7-day-slow-travel-itinerary-for-bali/ Laura Pakenham on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurajpakenham/ Laura’s book "Irish: History and culture through language" - https://amzn.to/3ST7Z6b Alda Sigmundsdóttir - https://aldasigmunds.com/ Alda's books about Iceland - https://amzn.to/4s8cXYC Alda's new book The Shape of Silence, coming soon Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/395 *Full disclosure: Amazon Services LLC Associates Program NotABallerina.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I finally stepped off the plane and onto Icelandic soil.The first thing I did wasn't chase the Northern Lights or take photos for the internet. It was to fight through freezing winds, jump on a shuttle bus, and go find a friend I'd known for over twenty years.This episode: the Blue Lagoon. Milky blue water, minus-eight-degree winds, volcanic mud masks, and singing in the sauna. About travel, about friendship, and about the dreams that become whole not because you finally arrived — but because someone you love arrived with you.Come soak with me.My website: flywithlily.com

Signs of Life - Medium Insights with Host Roman Karpishka Guest: #FFFCertifiedMedium Sirry Berndsen Love With Nowhere to Land: Mediumship, Grief, and the Bonds That Remain Summary A Friendship Rooted in Grief and Service Roman Karpishka welcomes certified medium Sirry Berndsen for a conversational look at mediumship, grief, healing, and the relationships formed through Forever Family Foundation. Their warm exchange begins with stories about Mo, the host's late son Stefan, and the ways meaningful encounters can feel like signs from loved ones. Healing the Body Through Intention Speaking from Iceland, Sirry describes several years of health challenges, recent surgery in Germany, and the prayer, meditation, visualization, exercise, and holistic practices she believes supported her recovery. She frames the experience as part of an ongoing healing journey and emphasizes privacy, resilience, and self-care. Where Psychology Meets the Soul Sirry previews a podcast she is developing with Mo called The Psyche and the Soul. The planned program will combine psychological insight, grief education, mediumship, and personal accounts from people who have endured loss, attended grief retreats, or received readings that helped them find a path forward. Evidence, Ethics, and the Work of a Medium The discussion explores how Sirry experiences clairvoyant detail, why names can be harder to receive outside her native Icelandic language, and why clients should avoid giving mediums advance information. Both speakers share stories of readings, unexpected evidence, efforts to test mediums, and the importance of separating sincere practitioners from charlatans. Love, Transformation, and Continuing Bonds In response to a listener's question, Sirry says that people may appear gentler after death because she believes they undergo a life review and are surrounded by love. The conversation returns repeatedly to the idea that grief is love with nowhere to land and that continuing bonds, memory, service, and evidential communication may help people live with loss. Animals, Callers, and Signs of Connection Callers ask about deceased pets, personality changes after death, unusual experiences with lights, energetic protection, and the comfort of previous readings. Sirry offers her spiritual interpretations, including beliefs about animal reincarnation and lingering pet presence, while also recommending grounding practices such as rest, healthy food, meditation, breathing, Reiki, or other healing work.

Folktronica songwriter Ásgeir didn't plan on becoming a singer. When he was younger, all he wanted to do was to make music with his garage band. He only found himself singing in front of a microphone because “somebody had to do it.”  As he grew into his musical identity, Ásgeir immersed himself in the music of his vocal heroes, including Jeff Buckley, Jónsi of Sigur Rós, and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Their ethereal falsetto tones influenced his own approach to singing and a new Icelandic star was born. Ásgeir's first record, titled Dýrð í dauðaþögn, became the best-selling debut album in Iceland to date in 2012, beating the debuts of Björk and Sigur Rós. Since then, he's been singing his songs mostly in English, often with lyrics borrowed from the poetry of his father, Einar Georg Einarsson. In his fifth studio album, Julia, Ásgeir takes the pen in his own hands for the first time, interpreting his life experiences from a singular lens. He plays some songs from that record and reflects on their inception. (- Sırma Munyar) 1. Smoke 2. Ferris Wheel 3. Sugar Clouds Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ali Grusell returns to the show for our very first travel episode! Frank and Ali go to Iceland, and you get to come along for the journey! It's our most Nordic episode yet. We talk Icelandic facts, like the 24 hours of daylight, the history of women leading the country, their lack of a military, their lack of crime, and, of course, PIZZA. Apologies to any Icelandic listeners for all of our pronunciations - we tried!Check out Ali's Instagram for all of the incredible travel diaries that she made. And while you're there, check out her awesome business, Don't Sort Yourself!Shout out to the following people/places/things for making the trip so wonderful:How Iceland Changed the World by Egill BjarnasonReykjavik Roasters for the American breakfastThe Big Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik. The rug really tied the room together.Luka, our incredible walking tour guidePrzemek and Angie, our incredible glacier guidesHvammsvík, the best hot springs in IcelandDill, the Michelin rated restaurantPadre Pizza, who made us pizzas we couldn't refuseYAY ICELAND!!!

Are you enjoying this? Are you not? Tell us what to do more of, and what you'd like to hear less of. The Reykjavík Grapevine's Iceland Roundup brings you the top news with a healthy dash of local views. In this episode, Grapevine publisher Jón Trausti Sigurðarson is joined by Heimildin journalist Aðalsteinn Kjartansson, and Grapevine friend and contributor Sindri Eldon to roundup the stories making headlines in recent weeks. On the docket this week are: The New App: IcebreakerThe Reykjavík Grapevine has teamed up with Einar Stef of Hatari fame and cartoonist Hugleikur Dagsson with a new app called Icebreaker, which helps you, navigate Reykjavík, and eventually, the rest of Iceland. It features information from The Grapevine's Best of Reykjavík, information about event listings, happy hours, cheap eats and more.From Moby Dick To Moby's DickWhaling is back on the menu this year, although the current minister of the fisheries has stated that this will probably be the last summer of whaling, since the minister is proposing a new law outlawing the practice. The whaling season this year has received a lot of domestic and international attention, not least because anti-whaler Paul Watson has sent his vessel, Bandero, to intercept Hvalur hf.'s whale boats Hvalur 8 and Hvalur 9, so for without luck. Footage of an employee of Hvalur hf. swinging a whale dick while being recorded on video, did neither make pro-, nor anti-whalers happy.Gasoline Prices In IcelandAccording to The Icelandic Competition Authority Icelandic oil companies have raised the prices for diesel oil by 50% since 2022 and 25% since 2022 and gasoline. The oil companies also raised their prices just prior to the so called milage tax in January of this year. The Icelandic Competition Authority also states that the price of fuel in Iceland has consistently been higher in Iceland than in 27 other European countries in the past decade. AmphetamineTwo men are in custody following an attempt of importing 14 liters of amphetamine to Iceland via an Icelandic transport vessel in April. The two men got two crew to help out with the smuggling. CocaineA 106 kilograms of cocaine were apprehended by the Icelandic authorities on a transport vessel named Koznitza, which arrived in Iceland on 22 June. The ship sailed from Brazil til Straumsvík in Hafnarfjörður, and was bringing materials for the Aluminum smelter located in Straumsvík. This is the largest amount of cocaine ever confiscated in Iceland and at least nine people have been arrested in association with the smuggling, of which at least three are Icelandic with a Romanian and Brazilians. One of the Icelanders arrested, Lárus Freyr Einarsson, was convicted of murder in Denmark in 2011, and arrested again in 2020 in relation to the production of amphetamines in a summerhouse in Kjós, near Reykjavík.WeedThe police apprehended just under 800 cannabis plants at three different locations in Iceland recently. 200 plants were confiscated near the small village of Reykholt, and more in a summerhouse in Kjós. Maybe a different summerhouse than the amphetamines mentioned above, but we just don't know.Fisheries Investing In Unrelated Businesses In IcelandAðalsteinn Kjartansson has been writing investigative peaces for Heimildin on the investments of persons and companies who've made billions through the fisheries. The investments of the family of Guðbjörg Matthíasdóttir are extensive, and while holding a large stake in Iceland's only daily newspaper, the family owns parts of import businesses, other media companies, and health industry companies. All of these investments, went underreported in a recent report on the investments of fisheries companies, the report was commissioned by the Icelandic Parliament.Ivanka Trump Visits IcelandYeah. That happened. Who gives fuck.Human Trafficking And Prostitution, In IcelandThe Icelandic police participated in a large international police operation in June, coordinated in 59 countries, targeting a Chinese crime syndicate which has been engaged in human trafficking and prostitution. Five purchasers of prostitution were arrested in Iceland, with another 45 recorded in the act on video, and 16 women, some of whom are believed to have been victims of human trafficking by said Chinese crime syndicate, were interviewed by the local authorities. Support the show------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SHOW SUPPORTDonate to the Grapevine here:https://support.grapevine.isYou can also support the Grapevine by shopping in our online store:https://shop.grapevine.is------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is a Reykjavík Grapevine podcast.The Reykjavík Grapevine is a free alternative magazine in English published 18 times per year, biweekly during the spring and summer, and monthly during the autumn and winter. The magazine covers everything Iceland-related, with a special focus culture, music, food and travel. The Reykjavík Grapevine's goal is to serve as a trustworthy and reliable source of information for those living in Iceland, visiting Iceland or interested in Iceland. Thanks to our dedicated readership and excellent distribution network, the Reykjavík Grapevine is Iceland's most read English-language publication.You may not agree with what we write or publish, but at least it's not sponsored content.www.grapevine.is

When Eliza Reid's husband unexpectedly became president of Iceland, she found herself in a role with no instruction manual—forcing her to confront self-doubt, challenge outdated expectations, and learn how to trust her own voice. In this conversation, Eliza reflects on why being a lifelong rule follower made the job unexpectedly difficult, why she embraced secondhand clothing and spoke Icelandic despite her accent, and how leaning into discomfort ultimately helped her grow into the role. ABOUT GUEST Eliza Reid is a Canadian-born writer, gender equality advocate, and the former First Lady of Iceland, where she served from 2016–2024 alongside her husband, President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. Her latest book is, “The First Lady Next Door: A Memoir of Iceland, Identity, and Unexpected Adventure” (https://elizareid.com/). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:49) Meet Eliza Reid (1:40) The Handshake Snub (3:19) From Canada to Iceland (5:11) Iceland President Explained (7:44) No Rulebook (9:44) Style Spotlight Pressure (12:16) Immigrant Identity Voice (13:47) Speaking Out NYT Op-Ed (16:40) Taking Up Space (17:11) What She's Proud Of (19:28) Conclusion

Award-winning author Hildur Knútsdóttir visits the show to talk about her latest translated novella, Dead Weight, available in the U.S. through Tor Nightfire. She talks about hiding bodies, writing about contemporary issues in Icelandic (and world) culture, and about the need for stories of women doing what needs to be done as a form of cathartic justice.You can find more about Hildur Knútsdóttir by visiting her website, www.hildurknutsdottir.is, and you can get Dead Weight and her other novella, The Night Guest, from Tor Nightfire at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What insights on social psychology can be gleaned from ancient texts?  William Ian Miller is a professor of law at the University of Michigan and prolific author. His work is that of a polymath and covers everything from Icelandic sagas (Bloodtaking and Peacemaking: Feud, Law, and Society in Saga Iceland; 'Why is your axe bloody?': A Reading of Njals Saga) to philosophical meditations on what makes us human (Outrageous Fortune: Gloomy Reflections on Luck and Life; Humiliation: And Other Essays on Honor, Social Discomfort, and Violence). William joins Greg to discuss the varying themes across his body of work including, luck and magical thinking, law and violence in Icelandic sagas, competition and humility, and the purpose of disgust.  *unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.* Episode Quotes: The de-evolution of psychological smarts in a pacified society 12:57: When you're a medieval historian, you'll see a lot of things that obviously progressed—medical care, stuff like that. A lot of things went backward, like, let's say, just psychological smarts. You had to be much better back then at reading somebody else's intentional states than we are now, because we're a highly pacified society. The idea that some clown can walk towards you texting and make you get out of the way and not get clocked in the face is just beyond... that could not happen in medieval Iceland. You bumped into somebody and didn't look where you were going, that would be an offense to that person's honor,  to the one you bumped into, of not even bothering to see who he was or where he was. Democracy as a principle of shared contempt 30:54: Democracy might be a principle of shared contempt, that everybody knows that they're held in contempt just as they hold the other in contempt. Utilitarianism's math problem and the dark funding of happiness 08:02: How much happiness is schadenfreude? Delight in somebody else's misery. How much of your happiness is funded by other people's misery? I always think that utilitarianism ran into a real math problem. The greatest happiness for the greatest number needed to be funded by misery somewhere. Show Links: Recommended Resources: Legal Code of King Alfred the Great  The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin  James Boyd White  Nomos Physis Paul Rozin Guest Profile: Faculty Profile at University of Michigan Professional Website Guest Work: Hrafnkel or the Ambiguities: Hard Cases, Hard Choices  Bloodtaking and Peacemaking: Feud, Law, and Society in Saga Iceland  'Why is your axe bloody?': A Reading of Njals Saga Outrageous Fortune: Gloomy Reflections on Luck and Life Losing It Faking It  The Mystery of Courage  The Anatomy of Disgust Humiliation: And Other Essays on Honor, Social Discomfort, and Violence Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Throughout the Draculae miniseries, about the Swedish and Icelandic translations of Dracula that played fast and loose with the original text, I've been wondering a couple of questions: why are cover versions of songs and remakes of films so normal and acceptable, whereas cover versions in book form cause such a stir? And do these Scandinavian Draculae count as fan fiction? And if not, why not? Fansplaining.com's Elizabeth Minkel explains what fan fiction can mean.Visit theallusionist.org/transformation for more information plus a transcript of the episode. And though this is the fourth and last part of the Draculae miniseries, it is more inspired by than directly connected to the other episodes, so you don't have to listen to them beforehand. But do listen to them, they're very fun and intriguing!Content note: this episode contains some references to (but not descriptions of) sexual content and sex slavery. There is also mention of J.K. Rowling.Sign up at theallusionist.org/donate to fund the continuing existence of this independent podcast. In return, you can join me for regular livestreams where I read relaxingly from my ever-expanding collection of vintage dictionaries, plus behind the scenes info about every episode, membership of the Allusioverse Discord community, and watchalong parties for films and TV shows.Find the Allusionist at youtube.com/allusionistshow, instagram.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow, @allusionistshow.bsky.social… If I'm there, I'm there as @allusionistshow. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you want me to talk compellingly about your product, sponsor an episode: contact Multitude at multitudeshows.com/ads. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace, your one-stop shop for building and running your online forever home. Go to squarespace.com/allusionist for a free trial, and get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain with the code allusionist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We want to share this little treat of a þáttr with you all before we release the Judgments episode for The Saga of Víga-Glúm. The Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox (Þorvalds þáttr tasalda) is a gem from the Flateyjarbók biography of King Ólaf (Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar en mesta). If Thorvald's fantastic revivification and battle prowess with a ship's oar left you wanting more, then this fast-paced Saga Short might just satisfy your craving. Thorvald journey's to Norway starts out like many other tales of Icelanders visiting Norwegian royalty. And, of course, with King Ólaf Tryggvason involved, this one includes plenty of pressure to abandon the Norse gods in favor of the much stronger and kinder (sometimes) Christian god. The story follows Thorvald as he sets off on a mission to prove himself to the king by tracking down Bárð the Stout, a fiercely independent figure who has already made two of the king's troops of emissaries disappear.  Will Thorvald live up to the reputation of the capable Icelandic retainer so thoroughly established in other tales? Or will he succumb to the strength and will of the powerful Bárð the Stout? And what's all this about Bárð's beautiful daughter Thora? There's only one way to find out (assuming you don't want to just read the story yourself). Grab your headphones and enjoy Saga Thing's retelling of The Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox! Listen and then share your thoughts on our social media: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Saga Thing's unofficial official Discord Music Credits Intro Music - from “Death Awaits” by Billy Malmstrom Outro Music - From “Óðinn” by Krauka  

Most jam brands are built on sugar. Good Good built a business by taking it out. In this episode, Good Good founder and CEO Gardar Stefansson discusses how the Icelandic brand evolved from a struggling stevia startup into a rapidly growing platform of no-added-sugar spreads now sold in approximately 10,000 U.S. stores and 30 countries worldwide.  He shares lessons from scaling across major retailers, navigating pricing and promotions, developing products consumers love, and building a premium brand in an increasingly competitive category. Gardar also explains why packaging is a company's most powerful marketing asset and why getting consumers to try your product remains the key to driving repeat purchases and long-term growth. Show notes: 0:20: Gardar Stefansson, Co-Founder & CEO, Good Good – Gardar discusses the origins of Good Good, which launched in 2016 as a stevia sweetener company before pivoting to a no-added-sugar jam recipe that ultimately became the foundation of the business. He explains how "No Added Sugar" evolved into the brand's core message and describes Good Good's growth strategy as it expanded across retail channels including Whole Foods, Costco, Walmart, and Amazon. Gardar emphasizes the importance of leveraging syndicated retail data, in-store merchandising, promotions, and digital marketing to build awareness and drive trial. He argues that packaging and messaging are a brand's most effective marketing tools, noting that shelf presence is its most valuable real estate. He also discusses Good Good's disciplined approach to innovation, explaining how the company balances consumer demand, retailer expectations, and product quality when developing new products, including peanut butter and chocolate spreads. Throughout the conversation, Gardar highlights a relentless focus on getting consumers to try the product – through sampling, events, and grassroots marketing initiatives – as a key driver of the brand's success. Brands in this episode: Good Good

Many mysteries accompany the revelations that Powers of Darkness, the Icelandic and Swedish versions of Dracula, are not direct translations of Bram Stoker's original, but stories that significantly differ in character names, plot and runtime. Like: did Bram Stoker write it himself, to publish some raunchy content that British censors would forbid? Was Powers of Darkness based on his early drafts? And did he really not copyright Dracula in the USA was that a deliberate ruse? Welllll... brace yourself for ole thrill-destroyer Zaltzman to pop your balloons of excitement. Searching for the truth among all the rumours and texts are producer Iris Ishichita of the Powers of Darkness podcast, and Will Trimble and Hans Corneel de Roos, who orchestrated English translations of respectively the Swedish and Icelandic Powers of Darknesses. This is the third episode of the Draculae miniseries. Before listening to it, check out the first and second episodes explaining the three versions of Dracula and why we are talking about them. And visit theallusionist.org/draculae3 for more information plus a transcript of the episode.Sign up at theallusionist.org/donate to fund the continuing existence of this independent podcast. In return, you can join me for regular livestreams where I read relaxingly from my ever-expanding collection of vintage dictionaries, plus behind the scenes info about every episode, membership of the Allusioverse Discord community, and watchalong parties for films and TV shows.Find the Allusionist at youtube.com/allusionistshow, instagram.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow, @allusionistshow.bsky.social… If I'm there, I'm there as @allusionistshow. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you want me to talk compellingly about your product, sponsor an episode: contact Multitude at multitudeshows.com/ads. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace, your one-stop shop for building and running your online forever home. Go to squarespace.com/allusionist for a free trial, and get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain with the code allusionist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.