Since early 2020, the inhabitants of the small town of Grindavík have lived with tens of thousands of earthquakes. It began with the rising of the mountain Þorbjörn just north of town, leading to fears of possible eruptions. The situation then got better and the quakes got fewer. A year later, the pace, magnitude and closeness of earthquakes shook the town into a state of worry and sleeplessness, along with fears of a nearby eruption. But faced with two bad options, an volcanic eruption began to sound pretty good for some.
Stories from the bench
On a local bench in Reykjavík, host Svavar Jónatansson finds a venue for collecting stories and experiences. Through the randomness of encounters we hear stories of Norwegian heritage, ice cream and plant nursery, "what the fuck" moments of a hiker and the perfect moment on a sunny afternoon.
Mare Cronium
The name used centuries ago by scholars far in the south, referring to the Arctic Ocean and the top of the world. In this episode we join an expedition in 2012, organised by the University Centre of Svalbard (UNIS) with the goal of reaching into the arctic sea ice in the north.
For photographs taken during the expedition, by Natlantic host Svavar Jónatansson, click HERE.
For further insights into the science and the involvement of those featured in the show, please visit the links below.
Cecilia Bitz, Professor, University of Washington
Ana Cecilia Peralta Ferriz, University of Washington/Fulbright Scholar
Frank Nilsen, acting Managing Director of UNIS
That kid!
Sparked by the sight of an 8 year old kid pouring milk into a gold fish pond, I began asking people for their own memories of childhood deviance. We go between rhubarb stealing, knocking friends unconscious and the various bad behaviours that in some cases, pile up during childhood.
Music credit (CLICK FOR VIDEO!): Horrible Youth
Beating Hearts
In this episode we explore a few aspects of our hearts, with the advice of a world renowned doctor from the Mayo Clinic, experiences of sufferers, and the approach of a Dutch nurse.
Raw and rushed (re-edit)
With no material at hand and a heavy work schedule I set out to make a show on the spot, by a gas station in the south of Iceland. The aim was to only do a rough episode that only included voice over recordings made on the spot and save on the extra work. The content came through asking random people questions about what had been on the top of my mind during the last days. The time I planned on investing grew, at the cost of delivery, explaining the week long delay to get this episode up. I chose to invest in quality, which I hope will meet the expectations of my dear investors (of time), namely you.
Water in the background
On a hike up to Glymur, a 198 meter tall waterfall in the Botnsdalur valley, conversations flow almost as freely as the water crashing down to the bottom of the canyon. By Icelands tallest waterfall we talk to Europes strongest man, dive into podcasts, discuss Los Angeles water conservation, and much more before we return.
Klapparstígur
We visit an art exhibition held in a private home in downtown Reykjavík, and later talk with a few of the curators behind the 3 hour event. Before we end the episode, we dive into various periods of Iceland´s art history, with the help of Goddur.
Weird
We go on set of a music video for the London artist collective Kerai. Through a day in a post apocalyptic location, we witness Kitty Von Sometime at work, and hear of her other project of passion.
Links:
Kerai (music)
Feathers and hair
The idea to cut my own hair grows in complexity as the hairstyle brings up questions of symbolism, however far it might be from my own ideology. We get Russian and English perspectives before turning our attention to the newly arrived migratory birds, some having come a long way, to put it conservatively.
You
This weeks episode is based on the idea of asking you questions, in hopes to offer some sort of dialogue, though only internal, about various aspects of your life, feelings, and perceptions thereof. Prepare for a flow of questions and thoughts ranging from Wilderness First Aid to mental stability, offering no answers, unless the one´s you are willing to give, to yourself.
Music played by Santiago Cardonas, recorded in Granada, Spain, 2016.
The rough and tumble shoe maker
Icelander Halldór Guðbjörnsson has been a shoe maker, a professions mainly consisting of repairs, for half a century. We gain insights into his career, the profession, and the hobbies outside of work, including Judo, which he has practiced since 1963. Link below to his Judo club.
One Stamp at a time
We hear the story of Katelyn Jarvis, and her non profit Peace Stamps, upon her arrival in Iceland, with nowhere to volunteer. From an early career in volunteering, she has taken the full step, away from her former traditional job, into one that entails 195 stamps, and the hope for world peace.
Link to Peacestamps website
Life is now
We join Icelander Björn Ragnarsson on a personal journey down the Camino de Santiago through his memories and reasons behind his choice. Confronted with darkness, the search for light led him to the pilgrimage which starts in France and ends in Santiago in Spain. Along the way was the process of self discovery, shedding the past and overcoming personal stuff. Known as the Road of Jacob in Icelandic, it is an international attraction with a reach well beyond its christian origin as a pilgrimage.
Wheels go round, and round.
We meet Jean Philippe Boussut on his bicycle at the edge of Reykjavík, in middle of winter. His journey becomes clear as he tells us the story of how a small town sports teacher got on a bike, and pedalled out into the world of adventures.
Find Jean Philippe´s project (L´odyslande) on Facebook by searching @odyslande
Grampa Dave flies again
We hear the story of Grampa Dave, through the people who knew him and keep his memory alive. From building self sustainable houses in Canada, to paragliding over the Icelandic and South African terrain, Grampa Dave made an impression wherever he went.
Music by FM Belfast
Dark days are over
After a short journey along the south coast of Iceland, we enter the small town of Vík í Mýrdal, where a young man shares his story of despair turning to hope.
Little big storm
We encounter two Icelandic storms, which lead us into an exploration of stormy weather in other countries, and finally how the North Atlantic storms influence those that are far away from solid ground.
250km of love
Oversleeping, awoken by a friend, heading out to hike, conversations around a holy mountain, orchestra of ice, and finally, the story of a man who set out on foot a 103 years ago, facing the dangers of Iceland´s highlands, armed with love.
Mavi Blue
On a midsummer night in Reykjavik, Iceland, we meet Leann McIsaac, and embark on a musical journey into her past.