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The RÚV English Podcast

Icelandic, Cultural, 1 season, 238 episodes
About
This is The RÚV English Podcast - we hope to bring you as much of Iceland as we can in audio form - news, arts, culture, weather, music, the Icelandic language, "new Icelanders" who've made Iceland their home, and much more. Subscribe to The RÚV English Podcast to hear all of the new episodes as they appear.
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Episode 238 - REYKJANESBÆR HERITAGE MUSEUM

Today, Darren is in Reykjanesbær. The town's heritage museum is currently host to three fascinating exhibitions, of old resident photos, vintage sewing machines, and a whole floor dedicated to answering the question Trash or Treasure? - https://sofn.reykjanesbaer.is/local-history-museum/frontpage Darren was guided round all three by museum director Eva Kristín Dal. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
1/9/20240
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Episode 237 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: WHALING, WAGES, PRESIDENTS & WALLS

Today on RÚV English Radio, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Oddur Þórðarson, to look at what's been happening over the last seven days. They discuss the judgement on the legality of last year's whaling ban, ongoing wage negotiations, the up-and-running Presidential race in Iceland, and the protective wall around Grindavík which is now more or less complete. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
1/8/20240
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Episode 236 - 2024 AT HARPA

Today, RÚV English Radio previews a busy year at Reykjavík's iconic Harpa. Darren talks to Project Manager for Programming at Harpa (harpa.is), Ása Berglind Hjálmarsdóttir, to find out what's coming up! RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
1/5/20240
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Episode 235 - AUÐSKILIÐ - WESTMAN ISLANDS FLIGHTS, in simple Icelandic

If your New Year's resolution was to pick up some new Icelandic words, here's today's episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at plans to restore flights to the Westman Islands. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story, at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-12-14-flugferdir-milli-reykjavikur-og-vestmanna-eyja-399649 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
1/4/20240
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Episode 234 - THE NORDIC HOUSE IN 2024

Reykjavík's Nordic House hosted some wonderful cultural events this year, and 2024 is shaping up to be another very special year at the House. Director Sabina Westerholm joins Darren to look ahead. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
1/3/20240
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Episode 233 - SUNDLAUGASÖGUR - ICELAND'S SWIMMING CULTURE

Taking a dip in one of Iceland's many geothermal swimming pools isn't just, at this time of year, a way to shake off too much festive partying. It's also a celebration of a uniquely Icelandic culture. As it might soon find itself on UNESCO's list of Living Traditions, Darren talks to film producer and director Jón Karl Helgason, about his 2022 documentary film Sundlaugasögur - Swimming Pool Stories. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
1/2/20240
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Episode 232 - THE YEAR IN ICELAND

Darren listens again to various episodes of The Week In Iceland, to piece the year back together! RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
1/1/20240
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Episode 231 - WHY THE COUNTRY STOPS FOR ÁRAMÓTASKAUPIÐ

Every New Year's Eve at 10.20pm, Iceland pauses the fireworks and the partying and sits glued to Áramótaskaupið on RÚV. It's a show which satirises the year just gone. Darren talks to RÚV's head of TV Skarphéðinn Guðmundsson about why it is true to say that literally the whole country watches the show. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/29/20230
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Episode 230 - AUÐSKILIÐ - IT'S ALMOST NEW YEAR, in simple Icelandic

Today, on a special festive edition of Auðskilið, we preview New Year, in simple Icelandic! Find today's story and follow along at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/28/20230
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Episode 229 - THE BEST OF 2023, PART II

Part two of a two-part special looking back at the year on RÚV English Radio (and before it, The RÚV English Podcast). Lighthouses, herring, huskies, sorcery, accordions, stones, beer, smells and noises - in no particular order - and much more. (Part one was published yesterday.) RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/27/20230
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Episode 228 - THE BEST OF 2023, PART I

Part one of a two-part special looking back at the year on RÚV English Radio (and before it, The RÚV English Podcast). Lighthouses, herring, huskies, sorcery, accordions, stones, beer, smells and noises - in no particular order - and much more. Part two is tomorrow. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/26/20230
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Episode 227 - SÖNGVAKEPPNIN AND EUROVISION REFLECTIONS WITH SIGGI

Siggi Gunnars, co-host of Söngvakeppnin and Rás 2 presenter, is with Darren to look back on those Söngvakeppnin shows and his time in Liverpool, covering the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/25/20230
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Episode 226 - ICELANDIC CHRISTMAS SONGS

Count down to 6pm, when most Icelanders consider Christmas to have truly begun, with a variety of Icelandic Christmas tunes. Join Darren, music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou, and special guest Már Gunnarsson, who has written and performed his own modern Christmas classic to add to the canon! RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/24/20230
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Episode 225 - HOW ICELANDERS DO CHRISTMAS

Darren is joined by María and Jóna at Jólabúðin, Reykjavík's all-year Christmas shop, to kick off the festivities and learn exactly what makes an Icelandic Christmas special! RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/22/20230
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Episode 224 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE ANCIENT SKULL, in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at analysis of a skull fragment discovered earlier this year. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story, at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-12-15-bein-i-radherra-bustadnum-ur-danskri-konu-399722 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/21/20230
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Episode 223 - ELFSCHOOL

Today, RÚV English Radio goes back to school. Magnus is the headmaster of Reykjavík's Elfschool, where you can go to learn about Iceland's magical and hidden folk. Darren packed his pencil case and marched (ok, drove) down to Síðumúli 31 for his lesson - https://theelfschool.com RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/20/20230
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Episode 222 - ÍSLANDSVINIR

Today, RÚV English Radio meets two "friends of Iceland". André Bernier is an American meteorologist, forecasting the weather at Cleveland's WJW-TV. During this summer's volcanic eruption, André's viewers watched video streamed by RÚV of the events at Litli-Hrútur. André also hosts The WeatherJazz podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7enXVHOfh6q5SHQrSWodVr His friend Bob Gilmore has worked in broadcast media for decades in the USA. Together they first visited Iceland in 1987, and have travelled here separately many times since. In an episode recorded on Monday, one day before the latest eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Darren met with André and Bob to hear about their love of Iceland - and get a quick review of last weekend's Iceguys concert too (we play out with one of their songs today!) RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/19/20230
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Episode 221 - DOOM LOOP

Today on RÚV English Radio, an exhibition at the Reykjavík Art Museum. Doom Loop is an exhibition which has ran since October at the museum, and remains open to view until January 11. Artists Klavs Liepins & Renate Feizaka present a work which examines the idea of the "doom loop", the vicious circle; it references surveillance, climate change, authoritarianism. Darren met Renate and Klavs at the Museum to find out more about Doom Loop - https://listasafnreykjavikur.is/en/exhibitions/d50-klavs-liepins-renate-feizaka-doom-loop RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/18/20230
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Episode 220 - LATVIAN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN ICELAND

Today on RÚV English Radio, traditional Baltic festive decorations come to the Nordic House in Iceland this Sunday! The Latvian School in Reykjavik invites families to take part in a traditional Latvian Christmas decoration workshop on Sunday, 17th of December, 1-3 pm, in the Children's Library at at the Nordic House - https://nordichouse.is/en/event/family-workshop-latvian-christmas-decorations/ Free entrance and everyone is welcome! What are the similarities between Latvian and Icelandic Christmas decorations? Darren spoke to Hrafnhildur Gissurardóttir at the House, to find out more. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/15/20230
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Episode 219 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE DELAYED SCHOOL DAY, in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at plans to delay the school day in the capital next year. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story, at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-12-08-prufad-ad-seinka-skoladeginum-399203 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/14/20230
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Episode 218 - THE CHRISTMAS CAT'S TRAIL/JÓLAKATTARINS SLÓÐ

Today on RÚV English Radio, some festive puppetry coming to the Nordic House this weekend. Jólakattarins Slóð/The Christmas Cat's Trail is a 40-minute-long puppet show celebrating the Icelandic Yule Lads, Grýla, Leppalúði, and the Christmas cat, all through the eyes of a visiting American - and his dog. The show is created and performed by Mark Blashford, an instructor in Bernd Ogrodnik's Academy of the Wooden Puppet - https://worldsofpuppets.com/puppet-mastery-academy/ Darren met Mark at the Nordic House to hear about the show, and the part played by his border collie in creating the experience! The show is on this Saturday, 16 December, at 3pm. It will be performed with hand puppets and string puppets, with live music from the banjo and harmonica. It is in English and is recommended for families, and entry is free! See https://nordichouse.is/en/event/the-christmas-cats-trail-puppet-show/ RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/13/20230
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Episode 217 - THE FIRST YULE LAD

Today on RÚV English Radio, the first Yule Lad makes his way down from the mountains. The Icelandic jólasveinar (Yuletide Lads) are descended from trolls, and originally they were bogeymen who were used to scare children. During this century they have mellowed, and they sometimes wear their best, red, suits. But they still tend to pilfer and play tricks. They are the sons of two of the most hideous ogres ever known in Iceland, Grýla and Leppalúði. Every year they come down from the mountains one by one, and today the first Yule Lad - Stekkjarstaur (Sheep-Cote Clod), who harasses sheep, made his first appearance this year in the National Museum - https://www.thjodminjasafn.is/english/for-visitors/whats-on/upcoming-events/13-yule-lads Darren spoke to curator of ethnology and friend of RÚV English Radio, Helga Vollertson, to hear his story - and witness his arrival along with many excited schoolchildren. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/12/20230
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Episode 216 - COOKING WITH SKYR

Today, RÚV English Radio takes a closer look at one book in this year's Christmas Book Flood - and samples a home baked treat. Sigurður Bragason with his wife and family has created the Skyr Recipe Book - https://bonis.is/products/skyr-recipe-book - containing a wide variety of baking and smoothie recipes, all making creative use of skyr. Darren met Sigurður to find out more about the book, and taste some of the results! RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/11/20230
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Episode 215 - SAGA MUSICA

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Eyrarbakki. The house at Bakkastofa is where artists Ásta Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir and Valgeir Guðjónsson live; respectively. a writer, counsellor, visual stage director and storyteller, and a celebrated composer, lyricist and performer. Valgeir is the creator of "Saga Musica" - https://www.sagamusica.com/ - a suite of songs inspired by and referencing Iceland's vast literary Saga history. It is also a concert programme, performed in English, written and performed by Valgeir and produced by Bakkastofa. You can hear many of the songs in original demo form here - https://www.sagamusica.com/listen Darren met again with Valgeir, and Ásta Kristrún, to hear more about the project - and one of the songs. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/8/20230
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Episode 214 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE OSLO TREE, in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the turning on of the "Oslo tree" lights! As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story, at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-12-04-jolaljosin-kveikt-a-osloar-trenu-398857 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/7/20230
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Episode 213 - ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Today, RÚV English Radio is in the Reykjavík district of Árbær. Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century. Since 1957 Árbær has been an open air museum - https://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/arbaer-open-air-museum - with more than 20 buildings which form a town square, a village and a farm. Most of the buildings have been relocated from central Reykjavik. Darren was guided round the museum by Helga Maureen Gylfadóttir, Head of Dept, Museum Education, Exhibits and Events at Reykjavík City Museum, and guide Stefnir Sveinsson. Don't miss two big special Christmas events at the museum, on the 10th and 17th December! - https://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/news/christmas-arbaer-open-air-museum RÚV English Radio covers everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook here.
12/6/20230
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Episode 212 - CHROMO SAPIENS AT HÖFUÐSTÖÐIN

RÚV English Radio enters today's show as a homo sapien, and leaves as a Chromo Sapien... Chromo Sapiens is a monumental, multi-sensory, large-scale installation, consisting of three caves made from the artist Shoplifter's signature material: synthetic hair extensions. It is a permanent installation at Höfuðstöðin, a converted potato nursey and barracks now located in Elliðaárdalur, an extraordinary building now showing little trace of its original purposes! Creative producer and co-founder of Höfuðstöðin, Lilja Baldursdóttir, met with Darren, and took him through the installation. RÚV English Radio covers everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook here.
12/5/20230
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Episode 211 - JÓLABÓKAFLÓÐIÐ - THE CHRISTMAS BOOK FLOOD

Today, RÚV English Radio looks forward to the 24th of December... Icelanders give each other books on what many English speakers call Christmas Eve - the 24th of December. You might hear this heartwarming tradition, in this most literary of nations, called Jólabókaflóðið - the Christmas (or Yule) Book Flood. Darren met with Svanborg Þórdís Sigurðardóttir, product manager for foreign books at Penninn Eymundsson, to find out which books in English are leading the flood this year. RÚV English Radio covers everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected] , and find us on Facebook here.
12/4/20230
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Episode 210 - 40 YEARS OF HAFNARBORG, AND "VALUE"

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Hafnarfjörður. Hafnarborg - the Hafnarfjörður Centre of Culture and Fine Art - https://hafnarborg.is/en/museum/ - was founded in 1983, becoming the home of the town's art collection. One current exhibition at the centre celebrates forty years of Hafnarborg. Curated by Hólmar Hólm, "VALUE - 40 Years Since the Founding of Hafnarborg" features works by a variety of artists - https://hafnarborg.is/en/exhibition/value/ Darren spoke to Hólmar to hear more about the exhibition, and the museum, which sits at the heart of the town. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
12/1/20230
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Episode 209 - AUÐSKILIÐ - VESTMANNAEYJAR FERRY, in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the news that a ferry connecting Vestmannaeyjar to the mainland is being repaired. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story, at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-11-29-herjolfur-farinn-i-vidgerd-398417 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/30/20230
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Episode 208 - ROLLER DERBY ICELAND

Today, RÚV English Radio gets its skates on. Iceland's last roller skating derby of the year is this Saturday, at Grótta (in the Hertz sports hall, Seltjarnarnes). Icelandic team Ragnarök will go up against Traverse City from Michigan, USA. But how big is roller skating in Iceland, and what can we expect from the big game this weekend? Darren met with head non-skating official Heather Haynsen, and coach and skater Stephanie Zakas, to find out more. They are also known respectively for reasons that will become clear, as Penaltea and Penny Pincher... Details of the derby are here - https://fb.me/e/3izpu7UBH - and there is more on Roller Derby Iceland at http://www.rollerderby.is/ RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/29/20230
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Episode 207 - A STITCH IN TIME

Today on RÚV English Radio, an embroidery exhibition at Árbær City Library is drawing to a close. This weekend marks the last chance to see the embroidery artworks of Ásta Kristrún Ólafsdóttir at Árbær City Library - https://borgarbokasafn.is/en/event/exhibitions/exhibition-stitch-time Ásta's pictures are inspired by British tv-crime series such as Miss Marple, Barnaby and Father Brown, and are about a peaceful life and beautiful gardens. Darren meets Ásta to hear about the works, and her inspiration. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/28/20230
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Episode 206 - BAKKASTOFA CULTURE CENTRE

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Eyrarbakki. The house at Bakkastofa is where artists Ásta Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir and Valgeir Guðjónsson live; respectively. a writer, counsellor, visual stage director and storyteller, and a celebrated composer, lyricist and performer. Together they offer tailor-made cultural programs for small groups - https://www.bakkastofa.com/english - who come to the house from far and wide to hear Ásta's stories and Valgeir's music, in a beautiful and historic setting on Iceland's south coast. The experiences deal with history and culture, dating back to the Settlement of Iceland, up to our present day. Darren met Valgeir and Ásta in their home to hear about the history of the town, and what audiences make of their unique offer. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/27/20230
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Episode 205 - STROKE

Today on RÚV English Radio, we preview an extraordinary piece of theatre, in Reykjavík and in English, this weekend. When Virginia Gillard woke up from a stroke six years ago, to her mind, the world looked like a scene from a clown show. Aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage to the brain that controls language expression and comprehension, caused by the stroke, made her a prisoner in her own body, and the most everyday actions became a challenge. The experience has proved difficult for her to explain. Before the stroke, however, Virginia worked for years as a professional clown in hospitals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In Stroke, Virginia uses her clown persona, Cookie, to share her experience and tell her story. Stroke is being performed again this Sunday at Tjarnarbíó in the heart of Reykjavík, in English. It is co-performed and stage managed by Virginia's husband, Sæmundur Andrésson. Find out more here - https://www.tjarnarbio.is/syningar/stroke, get tickets here - https://tix.is/is/buyingflow/tickets/16043/ - and don't miss this remarkable show! Darren met Virginia and Sæmundur to hear her, and their, story. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/24/20230
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Episode 204 - WHY YOUR FLIGHT WON'T BE CANCELLED BY AN ERUPTION

Today on RÚV English Radio, why you shouldn't worry about any forthcoming trips to Iceland. There is still a lot of uncertainty about where, or whether, any volcanic eruption may take place on the Reykjanes Peninsula. One thing that can be said though, with a very high degree of certainty, is that travel to and from Iceland is not affected. If you have a trip to the country coming up, you don't need to worry that your flight will be cancelled*. This isn't 2010, when flights were grounded by volcanic ash - any potential eruption this time would be completely different. (* although we can't promise that bad weather won't ever have an effect...) Darren meets with Snorri Valsson, Project Manager at Ferðamálastofa, the Icelandic Tourist Board, for some reassurance. Also today, in the second part of our programme, a new episode of Auðskilið: the news in simple Icelandic. Atli joins Darren to look at the ongoing rebuilding of the church on Grímsey. Follow along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-11-23-aftur-unnid-vid-kirkjuna-i-grimsey-397990 - as ever, we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/23/20230
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Episode 203 - FKA NEW ICELANDERS/REYKJANES LATEST

Today on RÚV English Radio, the organisation for businesswomen of foreign origin in Iceland, FKA New Icelanders. Darren meets Veronica Guls and Marianne Ribes from the group - https://fka.is/english/ - which is a non-profit professional network for Icelandic business leaders, founded in April 1999. Its mission is to support women as they manage and grow their businesses. Before that, a quick update on events across the Reykjanes Peninsula and Grindavík. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/22/20230
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Episode 202 - REYKJANES PENINSULA UPDATE, AND ESCAPING FAST FASHION

Today on RÚV English Radio, an update on events in and outside Grindavík, and a look ahead. There is still no eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and one reading is that the chances of there being one gently decline as time goes on. A brief update first today. In the second part of today's programme, a preview of an event coming to Reykjavík's Nordic House, on Thursday 23 November. So-called "fast fashion" sees consumers buy and often discard huge amounts of poor-quality clothing. Under the guidance of Icelandic textile artist Ýrúrarí and with inspiration from Swedish company Renewcell (https://www.renewcell.com/en/), the Nordic Council Environment Prize Winner 2023, you'll have the chance this week at the Nordic House to breathe new life into old clothes and uncover ways to break up with fast fashion. See more at https://nordichouse.is/en/event/escaping-fast-fashion-how-you-can-act-for-change/ Darren spoke to Ýr a couple of weeks ago - and she was so busy, the only time they could find together to chat, was as they walked her dog in Kópavogur... RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/21/20230
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Episode 201 - GRINDAVÍK UPDATE, RÚV POLSKI, CIVIL DEFENCE BRIEFING

Today on RÚV English, our focus remains firmly on events across, and under, the Reykjanes Peninsula. Darren is joined by RÚV Polski's Margrét Adamsdóttir to review the current situation, the possibility that although it is still likely, an eruption may not happen at all, and the service provided to the tens of thousands of Poles whose home is Iceland - https://www.ruv.is/polski Also today, this morning's Civil Defence press briefing took place partly in English, seeking to answer questions posed by foreign media. We bring you that part of the briefing in full. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/20/20230
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Episode 200 - REYKJANES UPDATE and LÁ ART MUSEUM, HVERAGERÐI

Today on RÚV English Radio, an update on events in Reykjanes, and a visit to Hveragerði. We start our programme with a look at the situation in Grindavík and across Reykjanes. As of 3pm Friday, there has been no eruption - and nearly a week has passed since the quakes that caused such damage in the town. In the second half of today's show, a trip to the LÁ Art Museum in Hveragerði, where exhibitions by artists Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir and Jakob Veigar Sigurðsson run until the end of the year - https://listasafnarnesinga.is/hveragerdi/art-museum-south-iceland-english/exhibitions/ - admission is free, and the works are well worth a visit. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/17/20230
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Episode 199 - ÞORVALDUR ÞÓRÐARSON, VOLCANOLOGY PROFESSOR / AUÐSKILIÐ

Today from RÚV English Radio, a double episode, looking at the eruption that hasn't yet happened, and a related story in simple Icelandic. In the first part of our programme, Darren talks to Þorvaldur Þórðarson, Professor in Volcanology and Petrology at the University of Iceland. In a conversation recorded at 3pm on Thursday afternoon, they assess the current situation on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Then, a new episode of Auðskilið, the news in simple Icelandic. Atli joins Darren to look at the preparations earlier this week, for work to build a defensive wall around the Svartsengi power station. Follow along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-11-09-verid-ad-undirbua-varnar-garda-396107 - as ever, we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/16/20230
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Episode 198 - NO ERUPTION YET

Today, RÚV English Radio waits with the rest of the nation for the eruption, which may come at any time - or not at all. Darren is joined by his colleague Valur Grettison, a very familiar face during the last three volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula. They spoke at 3pm on Wednesday, and at that time, the waiting and watching continued. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/15/20230
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Episode 197 - ONGOING SITUATION IN GRINDAVÍK, PLUS AUTHOR SARAH THOMAS

Today on RÚV English Radio, we look at the continuing risk of a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and also catch up with author Sarah Thomas ahead of two writer events this week in Reykjavík. First up, Darren talks to RÚV colleague Oddur Þórðarson about the latest situation in Grindavík. As of the time of our conversation, around 1pm on Monday, everyone is still waiting for an eruption - which may not come. Also today, author Sarah Thomas, who spoke to Darren during the summer when the paperback edition of her book The Raven's Nest was published. Last Friday he caught up with Sarah at Reykjavík Airport, just as she was about to fly back to the Westfjords for the weekend. She is now back in Reykjavík for two writers' events which are happening this week - see the details here: https://sarahthomas.net/events/ RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/14/20230
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Episode 196 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND - GRINDAVÍK

Today on RÚV English Radio, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by journalist Jelena Ciric, to look at what's been happening over the last seven days - and this week, that is made up entirely of the events at Grindavík. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/13/20230
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Episode 195 - KVENNAKÓR REYKJAVÍKUR

Today, RÚV English Radio previews a very special concert, next Saturday. The Reykjavík Women's Choir - Kvennakór Reykjavíkur (http://www.kvennakorinn.is) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Its first ever rehearsal was on January 25, 1993, but the choir was officially founded on May 8 of the same year after a spring concert in Langholt Church. Now, after three decades, the choir is looking forward to a spectacular anniversary concert in Harpa - https://www.harpa.is/en/songur-og-gledi-i-30-ar-afmaelistonleikar-kvennakors-reykjavikur Tickets are available at https://tix.is/en/harpa/buyingflow/tickets/16466/ Reykjavík Women's Choir's conductor is Ágota Joó, she and choir chair Svanhildur Sverrisdóttir joined Darren to tell him more about the choir and the concert. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/10/20230
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Episode 194 - AUÐSKILIÐ - AKUREYRI/UK FLIGHTS - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the news that Akureyri can now be reached directly from the UK - and vice versa. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story, at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-10-31-flug-milli-london-og-akureyrar-395387 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/9/20230
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Episode 193 - RAUÐA HÚSIÐ, EYRARBAKKI

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Eyrarbakki. Rauða Húsið, The Red House, is a beautiful 100-year old building in Eyrarbakki, on Iceland's south coast - https://raudahusid.is/home-2/ It dates back to the period when the town was the centre of trade between Iceland and Denmark. It is also the home of a restaurant that has been serving locals and visitors for two decades. Darren meets Jessi Kingan, who owns and runs the restaurant, to hear more about the house, and Jessi's own journey from Chicago, to Iceland's south coast - via Thailand... RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/8/20230
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Episode 192 - HEIMSKVIÐUR - PROGRAMMING FROM RÚV'S FOREIGN DESK

Today on RÚV English Radio, an interview recorded for RÚV's foreign coverage. Every week, the foreign news desk here at RÚV produces a radio program, and a podcast, about foreign affairs and world events. The programme is called HEIMSKVIÐUR, and is broadcast on Rás 1 on Saturday afternoons. Here on RÚV English Radio we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English, and many of the interviews that are recorded for HEIMSKVIÐUR happen in English. Occasionally here on RÚV English Radio you'll have the chance to hear some of those interviews, in full, in English. Recently, on Danish national radio, Greenlandic women publicly told their stories of how the contraceptive IUD was placed in them without their consent or knowledge. The women did not find this out until later in life when they went to a gynecologist. The Human Rights Council of Greenland is looking at the cases. Qivioq Løvstrøm, its chair, says that for a long time there was not much discussion about these issues in Greenland. However, women started to ask on social media if others had experienced this happening to them. This is how the women found out that there were many of them, and that this was done to them in a systematic way. RÚV's Dagný Hulda Erlendsdóttir spoke to Qivioq Løvstrøm about the scandal. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/7/20230
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Episode 191 - SELFOSS TOWN CENTRE

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Selfoss. In the South Iceland town of Selfoss sits what is turning out to be a very successful architectural experiment. Thirteen buildings, all reconstructions of thirteen historic houses from across the country, make up the first phase of the town's new "old" centre. Learn more about the original buildings here - https://selfoss.com/explore/selfoss-centre/ The centre currently offers over 10 restaurants and a range of artisan shops. Konungshúsið is just one of the new "old" buildings, in a hugely impressive development that is still only 20% complete. The original building was constructed at Þingvellir in 1907 to mark the visit of the Danish king. In 1928, it was moved and renovated as part of the 1000th anniversary celebrations of the Icelandic parliament. In 1970, a tragic fire destroyed the building and led to the deaths of then prime minister Bjarni Benediktsson, his wife Sigríður Björnsdóttir, and their young grandson. Darren met Guðjón Arngrímsson, whose original vision for the centre has come to life, in Konungshúsið, to find out more. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/6/20230
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Episode 190 - ICELANDIC MUSIC ROUND-UP

Today on RÚV English Radio, some of the biggest Icelandic songs around this week. Tracks featured this week are: Una Torfa - Þú ert stormur Jónfrí - Aprílmáni GusGus ft. Vök - When We Sing Hafdis Huld - Darkest Night Gosi - Ekki spurning Rakel Sigurðardóttir - Our Favourite Line If you're making music in Iceland, and you'd like it played on RÚV English Radio, just email [email protected] RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/3/20230
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Episode 189 - WORLD WIDE WALK ENDS IN ICELAND

A British man has walked round the world to raise cash for worthy causes - and now he's reached Iceland. RÚV English Radio meets him. Tom Fremantle is a man on a mission - to walk around the world. The fifty-something Brit is making his way around the planet, on foot, to raise money for some very worthy causes. Now, very near to his journey's end, he's reached Iceland. Having been on the road (or pavement?) for literally years, with a chunky Covid-enforced break in at the start of the decade, Tom is walking from Blönduós to Seyðisfjörður, where he will ultimately sail back to the UK via Denmark, and end his epic journey. Darren caught up with Tom and his walk support Matt Todd in Reykjavík last week, just after Tom's arrival in Iceland and before setting off on his walk through the country. Follow Tom's progress here - https://tomsworldwalk.com/tom-fremantle-live-tracking-map/ - and find out more about the walk, and the charities it's helping, here - https://tomsworldwalk.com/tom-fremantle-story/ And see the latest sights from Tom's epic walk, on his Instagram page, here - https://www.instagram.com/tomfremantle/ RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/2/20230
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Episode 188 - CHURCHES OF ICELAND

Today on RÚV English Radio, some of the incredible buildings that house places of worship in Iceland. The Shelter channel, making and broadcasting programmes about buildings and architecture, has just released Shelter Originals: Churches of Iceland, a short documentary on the innovative, stunning and architecturally defining sacred spaces of Iceland (https://watch.shelter.stream/churches-of-iceland) The documentary is a joint Australian-Icelandic production, and is created by the same team behind Tiny Spaces: Iceland, which came out earlier this year. Darren talks today to Director Damien Lipp & Co-Producer Stephanie Mauro, about their experiences in Iceland making the programmes, and the wonderful buildings which they discovered. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
11/1/20230
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Episode 187 - THE HISTORY OF HALL'O'WEEN IN ICELAND

Happy Hall'o'ween from RÚV English Radio... today, Darren is back at the National Museum of Iceland. Curator of Ethnology Helga Vollertson, who you might remember from our summer series on all the things that used to be banned in Iceland, joins Darren again to discuss modern Hall'o'ween's short history in the country, but also the very deep roots of celebrations that certainly look a little familiar... RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/31/20230
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Episode 186 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: QUAKES, COVID, POST, WOMEN, FRIÐRIK

Today on RÚV English Radio, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Ari Páll Karlsson, to look at what's been happening over the last seven days. They discuss the earthquake swarm at Reykjanes, post-Covid work patterns near the capital area, the appalling rating given to Iceland's postal service, the aftermath of the massive Women's Strike, and the accusations made against Friðrik Friðriksson. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/30/20230
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Episode 185 - ICELANDIC MUSIC ROUND-UP

Today on RÚV English Radio, some of the biggest Icelandic songs around this week. Darren plays a selection of tracks which are all being heard on RÚV's Rás 2, which is Iceland's most popular radio station. Tracks featured this week are: Mugison - É Dúdda Mía Rúnar Þór - Kóngurinn Vetur Vök - Ég Bíð Þín Malen & Raven - Right? Daði Freyr - Limit To Love If you're making music in Iceland, and you'd like it played on RÚV English Radio, just email [email protected] RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/27/20230
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Episode 184 - AUÐSKILIÐ - PASSPORTS - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the news that Icelandic passports can now be ordered online. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story, at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-10-18-haegt-ad-saekja-um-vega-bref-a-netinu-394451 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/26/20230
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Episode 183 - THE NORDIC WOMEN IN TECH AWARDS IN REYKJAVÍK

Today, RÚV English Radio returns to a conversation from earlier this year, about the Nordic Women In Tech Awards 2023, which are now just a couple of weeks away. The Nordic Women in Tech Awards (https://nordicwomenintechawards.com/) is an annual gala ceremony to celebrate the achievements of women in the industry and inspire diversity in tech. The 2023 Awards will take place in Harpa, Reykjavík, on November 9th (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nordic-women-in-tech-awards-2023-tickets-715885913037) Of all the nominees from across the Nordic countries, ten are from Iceland. Darren is joined by Valenttina Griffin, co-founder, and Ólöf Kristjánsdóttir, board member, of WomenTechIceland, to hear about those nominations, and the award ceremony itself. Valenttina co-founded WomenTechIceland with Paula Gould, who previously guested with Darren when nominations opened earlier in the year. WomenTechIceland is a non-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging equality in the tech industry. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/25/20230
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Episode 182 - THE SKRIÐUKLAUSTUR MONASTERY

Today on RÚV English Radio, another visit to Skriðuklaustur. It is a historic site with the ruins of a 16th-century monastery (https://skriduklaustur.is/minjar/en/) which were revealed by an archaeological excavation between 2002 and 2012. Darren again meets with Skúli Björn Gunnarsson, to view and find out more about the monastery ruins (in the company of some rather noisy geese...) (On site is also the mansion of the famous Icelandic writer Gunnar Gunnarsson, the subject of a previous show here on RÚV English Radio.) RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/24/20230
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Episode 181 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: BIRTA BJÖRNSDÓTTIR

Today on RÚV English Radio, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Birta Björnsdóttir, to look at what's been happening over the last seven days. They discuss the Arctic Circle Assembly, the second-biggest tourist summer of all time in Iceland, the discovery of some long-lost manuscripts at the National Library, and the reopening of Laugardalslaug - and also why tomorrow's Women's Day strike means it will close again, for a day. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/23/20230
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Episode 180 - THE MUSIC OF JELENA CIRIC

Today, Darren meets musician Jelena Ciric. Jelena (https://www.jelenaciric.com/) is a well-known and popular presence on Reykjavík's music scene. Her debut EP "Shelters one" was awarded Folk Album of the Year at the 2021 Icelandic Music Awards, where she was also nominated as Female Vocalist of the Year. Her single Rome was nominated as Best Song (Open Category) and Best Music Video at the 2023 Icelandic Music Awards. On the eve of her new EP release "Shelters two", Darren met Jelena to hear more about her music and her story. Jelena plays Iceland Airwaves on November 2 (https://icelandairwaves.is/artist/jelena-ciric/) RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/20/20230
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Episode 179 - AUÐSKILIÐ - SÖNGVAKEPPNIN - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the newly-released details of Söngvakeppnin 2024 - the "singing contest" to select Iceland's Eurovision entry. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-10-13-songva-keppnin-fer-aftur-i-laugardals-holl-393984 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/19/20230
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Episode 178 - SIGURÐUR GUÐMUNDSSON: VISUAL ART, ARS LONGA & EGGS

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Djúpivogur. Darren meets Sigurður Guðmundsson, artist and co-founder of the international contemporary art museum ARS LONGA (https://arslonga.is/) The SÚM group was founded by a group of artists in the 1960s, seeking to bring new ideas and approaches to the art world in Iceland. Sigurður Guðmundsson is one of the founding members of SÚM. He talks to Darren about his long, creative and international life, plans for ARS LONGA, the visual art that stems from Iceland, and his own works, including the extraordinary Eggin í Gleðivík - 34 replicas of the eggs of nesting birds in Djúpavogur district, which adorn the coast at Gleðivík. (https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/djupivogur-village-in-east-iceland-and-the-egg-sculptures-at-gledivik-bay) RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/18/20230
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Episode 177 - THE HOUSE OF GUNNAR GUNNARSSON

Today, RÚV English Radio is at Skriðuklaustur, in East Iceland. In 1939 the Icelandic writer Gunnar Gunnarsson had a mansion built as his family home on the farm Skriðuklaustur. The house was built as he returned to Iceland after achieving fame during his 30 years in Denmark. The building of the house was an enormous project at the time and the cost of the building was similar to ten houses being built in Reykjavík. Gunnar and his wife Franzisca lived at Skriðuklaustur for nine years, until 1948, when they moved to Reykjavík and gave the mansion and all of the farm to the Icelandic nation "to be forever owned by the Icelandic people". In 2000, the Gunnar Gunnarsson Institute opened a museum and cultural centre at the mansion. Darren was guided round the beautiful house by Ólöf - better known as and always called Skota! - to learn more about the writer and his home. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/17/20230
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Episode 176 - TOURISM AND MAKING MEMORIES IN EAST ICELAND WITH ELÍ ÞÓR

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Egilsstaðir. Elí Þór Vídó owns and runs East Highlanders (https://www.easthighlanders.com/), a company which make memories for visitors to this extraordinary quarter of the country. Darren met with Elí Þór to discuss tourism in East Iceland, the ways it should develop if everyone is to benefit, and his own surprising journey to East Iceland and heading East Highlanders. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our previous daily English shows and podcasts on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place. Subscribe too, to never miss a show. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/16/20230
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Episode 175 - THE ICELANDIC OPERA WRITTEN BY AI

Today, RÚV English Radio previews a creative work at least partly made by a machine. Composer and singer Hrólfur Sæmundsson is writing a new opera with a difference - the libretto, or lyrics, have already been written by artificial intelligence. Darren spoke to Hrólfur about the work, trusting a part of the process to a machine, funding the opera, and when he think you'll be able to see it here in Iceland. See more about the Karolina fundraiser here: https://www.karolinafund.com/project/view/6049 RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our daily English shows on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/13/20230
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Episode 174 - AUÐSKILIÐ - WIND TURBINES (MILLS?) - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the new wind turbines, or windmills, in South Iceland. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-10-06-nyjar-vind-myllur-i-thykkvabae-393226 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our daily English shows on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Hear a new programme, in English, every day, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/12/20230
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Episode 173 - CRIME & PUNISHMENT AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HIGHLANDS

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Egilsstaðir. Darren is back at The University of Iceland Research Centre in East Iceland to speak to Unnur Birna Karlsdóttir, about two more research projects taking place. The first looks at the relationship between the Highlands and the more urban settings of East Iceland. The second investigates crime, and the rather serious punishments imposed, across East Iceland in centuries past. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our daily English shows on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/11/20230
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Episode 172 - THE LAGARFJÓT WYRM, FLJÓTSDALSHÉRAÐ

Today, RÚV English is on the lookout for an elusive and ancient creature. Lagarfjlót is a narrow lake in the east of Iceland. You can follow it south as you drive from Egilsstaðir. The stunning beauty of the lake is far from its only attraction. According to legend, the deep lake is said to hold a beast called the Lagarfljót Wyrm, of whom there have been apparent sightings and reports since 1345. Darren went to Skriðuklaustur on the lake side to meet Skúli Björn Gunnarsson, and hear more about the Wyrm, and whether it is still seen today. Skriðuklaustur is also the site of an abandoned ancient monastery and the home of writer Gunnar Gunnarsson, and you can hear shows about those soon on RÚV English Radio too. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our daily English shows on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/10/20230
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Episode 171 - THE ARTISTIC LIFE OF SEYÐISFJÖRÐUR: SKAFTFELL

Today, RÚV English is in Seyðisfjörður, in East Iceland. An independent, non-profit organisation, Skaftfell Centre For The Visual Arts (www.skaftfell.is) is the principal visual art centre for East Iceland. Located in a timber-frame house built by Norwegian fishermen in 1907, Skaftfell has long been an important meeting place for artists and the community, welcoming all visitors. On the first floor, the building houses a gallery with year-round changing exhibitions that are open to the public free of charge. Darren went to Skaftfell to meet director Pari Stave and her colleague Kamilla Gylfadóttir, in this deeply creative corner of Iceland. RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage of everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our daily English shows on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Hear a new programme, in English, every weekday, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/9/20230
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Episode 170 - FROM AN AUSTRIAN ORCHESTRA TO THE ICELANDIC HIGHLANDS

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Borgarnes. Gerhild Hammer played the violin in Austria for decades, before changing everything, and moving to Iceland to help guide visitors around the Highlands. Darren went to Borgarnes to meet Gerhild, and hear her story. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes.
10/6/20230
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Episode 169 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE EARTHQUAKE SWARM - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English Radio, it's a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the recent "swarm" of mini-earthquakes on Reykjanes. As ever, you can practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-09-25-margir-jardskjalftar-vid-geitafell-392425 - we start just under the image (the map of the area). RÚV English Radio is daily radio coverage everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more, in the English language. You can find this episode and all our daily English shows on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Hear a new programme, in English, every day, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/5/20230
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Episode 168 - BAKIR ANWAR NASSAR IN AKRANES

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Akranes. A few weeks ago, we heard the story of Bakir Anwar Nassar, who was just ten years old when he came to Iceland with his mother and two siblings. They, with 25 others, had travelled from the Al Waleed refugee camp on the border between Iraq and Syria. Bakir is now 25, and the story of his new life in Iceland prompted many warm responses. Darren went to Akranes to meet Bakir, and hear more about living in Akranes, his work at the beautiful Guðlaug baths, his love of football, and of Iceland, and his first memories of the country. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes.
10/4/20230
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Episode 167 - HEIMSKVIÐUR - PROGRAMMING FROM RÚV'S FOREIGN DESK

Today on RÚV English Radio, an interview recorded for RÚV's foreign coverage. Every week, the foreign news desk here at RÚV produces a radio program, and a podcast, about foreign affairs and world events. The programme is called HEIMSKVIÐUR, and is broadcast on Rás 1 on Saturday afternoons. Here on RÚV English Radio we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English, and many of the interviews that are recorded for HEIMSKVIÐUR happen in English. Occasionally here on RÚV English Radio you'll have the chance to hear some of those interviews, in full, in English. Jaroslaw Kuisz is a well known Polish author and political analyst. He's an assistant professor of law at the University of Warsaw, editor in chief of the Liberal Culture Weekly magazine and director of the Liberal Culture Foundation in Poland. His new book, The New Politics of Poland, will be published next month, by Manchester University Press. He spoke to RUV's Bjorn Malmquist recently about the upcoming elections in Poland and how Polish history continues to impact the dynamics of Polish politics. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes.
10/3/20230
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Episode 166 - PETRA'S STONE COLLECTION, STÖÐVARFJÖRÐUR

Today, RUV English Radio is in Stöðvarfjörður in East Iceland, at a beloved attraction. An immense display of stones and minerals takes up a huge garden and most of a house in the East Iceland town of Stöðvarfjörður. The collection was started halfway through the twentieth century by Petra Sveinsdóttir. Despite her passing in the 2010s, the beautifully curated assortment continues to welcome fascinated visitors from across Iceland and the world. Darren (who first visited in 1998) went to meet Petra's granddaughter, Unnur Sveinsdóttir, and find out more about the remarkable collection. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast. We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find this episode and all our daily English shows on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Hear a new programme, in English, every day, on RÚV English Radio - https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - part of Iceland's national broadcasting service, RÚV. If you have an idea for a show, or just want to get in touch, email anytime - [email protected], and find us on Facebook.
10/2/20230
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Episode 165 - DEADMIST CREEK

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Borgarnes. Darren meets Matthias Þórbjörn Ólafsson, drummer and bassist with "melancholic metal/hard rock" band Deadmist Creek (https://www.facebook.com/DeadmistCreek), to hear about their music, recording remotely, and Matthias moving back to his native Iceland after many years in Norway. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes.
9/29/20230
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Episode 164 - AUÐSKILIÐ - AKUREYRI'S REMOTE DOCTOR in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the doctor working remotely for the hospital in Akureyri - from the USA. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-09-25-laeknir-i-fjar-vinnu-a-akureyri-392429 - we start just under the image. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes.
9/28/20230
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Episode 163 - THE REINDEER OF EAST ICELAND

Today, RÚV English Radio is in Egilsstaðir. Reindeer are found across - and only found in - much of Iceland's eastern quarter. Darren went to The University of Iceland Research Centre in East Iceland to speak to Unnur Birna Karlsdóttir, about a research project taking place into the history of these beautiful but timid creatures, and finds that their relationship with humans in Iceland, is complex. The project looks at reindeer themselves as well as Icelandic attitudes toward reindeer. It seeks to tell the stories of the reindeer's bitter struggle for survival in their habitat, the thrill of the hunt, and the varying success of experiments with reindeer farming. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes.
9/27/20230
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Episode 162 - ALBERTO A. LARREA, FOOTBALL AGENT

Today on RÚV English Radio, football agent Alberto A. Larrea. Some weeks ago, Darren spoke to student Brandon Piel, who is an American student living in Ísafjörður, and a huge fan of the local football team, Vestri. Listening to that show was Alberto A. Larrea, who has a hugely successful career in Iceland as a football agent. Darren met with Alberto to hear his story, and learn more about football transfers into and out of Iceland. RÚV English Radio is the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes.
9/26/20230
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Episode 161 - MÓÐIR JÖRÐ, VALLANES

Welcome to RÚV English Radio - the new name for the RÚV English Podcast! We cover everything Icelandic - news, culture, music, language, events, people, places and more. You can find our daily English show in all the same places, including Spotify and Apple and all podcast outlets - if you are a subscriber, nothing will change, the programme will pop up as it always has, just with a new name and image. Find the show right here on the RÚV Player exactly as before - all the new shows will appear in the usual way at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 - and that is also where you will find the archive of all previous podcast episodes. We kick off with the new name with a show from Vallanes, near Egilsstaðir, in East Iceland. Móðir Jörð (https://modirjord.is/en/) is an independent family owned organic farm and food producer in Vallanes. They grow cereals and various types of vegetables, and the farm is open for visits from May - October. On a very warm September day, Darren went to meet Eygló Björk Ólafsdóttir, who owns and runs the farm with her husband Eymundur.
9/25/20230
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Episode 160 - JIM MORRISON 80 - LA COMES TO HÁSKÓLABÍÓ

The University cinema theatre, Háskólabíó, will be transformed into seventies LA on Saturday, for a very special birthday that never was. Jim Morrison at 80 is a birthday show with live accompaniment and a story time about the life and fortunes of the famous frontman of the band The Doors, who would have been eighty years old this year. Award winning singer Björgvin Franz Gíslason comes to life in the role of Morrison, together with The Doors tribute band, who play all the band's most famous songs. The narrator is Vera Illugadóttir, who will shed light on the history of Morrison, and the band. Darren met with Björgvin and director Greta Salóme for a preview of what audiences at Háskólabíó, the University cinema theatre, can expect this Saturday. Tickets are available at https://www.midix.is/web/event/event_id/100 You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/ruv-english-radio/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish RÚV English Radio is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/22/20230
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Episode 159 - AUÐSKILIÐ - CLINTON IN ICELAND - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of Hillary Clinton coming to Iceland in November. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-09-15-hillary-clinton-kemur-a-bokmennta-hatid-391724 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/21/20230
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Episode 158 - REYKJAVÍK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Today, RÚV English looks ahead to RIFF, a major festival of international film coming to the capital at the end of September. The Reykjavík International Film Festival - riff.is - is one of the biggest and most diverse cultural events in Iceland. For eleven days every autumn since 2004, Icelandic locals and tourists alike are able to go to the cinema and enjoy the best and freshest of international film making. The festival shows a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries. Guests can also meet and chat with directors about their works, attend panels and workshops, concerts and exhibitions, and even watch interesting films under even more interesting conditions, for instance in a swimming pool or in the filmmaker's home. The festival highlights independent film making from all over the world with the emphasis on up-and-coming filmmakers, with the main prize - the Golden Puffin, being awarded only to first or second-time directors. Darren went to meet Ragnar Jón Hrólfsson from the festival, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/20/20230
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Episode 157 - THE SETTLEMENT OF EAST ICELAND

Today, RÚV English is in Egilsstaðir. at The University of Iceland Research Centre in East Iceland (https://english.hi.is/institute_of_research_centres/research_centre_east_iceland) Interesting work is taking place in East Iceland to find out more about how the region was originally settled. Darren met with Phd student at the research centre Rannveig Þórhallsdóttir, and Emmett Smith, associate professor at, and in Iceland from, the biology department at Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/19/20230
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Episode 156 - ICELANDIC ART GOES TO THE MOON

Today, RÚV English gazes into the night sky, as Icelandic art is sent to the lunar surface. Over the next couple of years, thirty thousand pieces of art will have been sent to the Moon, in four separate time capsules, as part of the Lunar Codex projet (https://www.lunarcodex.com/). At least two of these artworks will come from Iceland. Artists Helen Cova (https://www.helencova.com/home-2) and Michelle Bird (https://www.theartofmichellebird.com/overview) will see two pieces of their art make the journey to the Moon. Darren went to Borgarnes to meet Michelle, and Helen, who joined the conversation via Zoom from Flateyri. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/18/20230
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Episode 155 - FOREIGN TALENT IN ICELAND

Today, RÚV English speaks to Kathryn Gunnarsson, one of the managers of a research grant project, assessing the talent pool of foreign experts here in Iceland. How easy is it for Icelandic companies to access foreign workers with particular skills? And is straightforward for those workers to find employment in Iceland? Kathryn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryngunnarsson/) tells Darren about the project which seeks to answer those questions, and hopefully to find ways of making life easier for all. You can read about the preliminary research results here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFjYAsQmYo/0kSP_21CJ5CcPdIYT5W_RQ/edit?fbclid=IwAR1BJv4AvxK7DsAcp4pQ6qXPqIMe3WgbrvzIzJ4WU09fLzkahmMz2HS8WVg You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/15/20230
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Episode 154 - AUÐSKILIÐ - ALÞINGI REOPENS - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of Alþingi reopening yesterday. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-09-12-althingi-var-sett-i-dag-391506 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/14/20230
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Episode 153 - YOU CAN'T DO THAT! TV ON THURSDAYS (OR IN JULY)

Today on RÚV English, the latest in a series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. While not exactly banned, there was no TV on Thursdays in Iceland until a few decades ago. Or, for that matter, in the whole of July... Darren is again at the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/13/20230
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Episode 152 - REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM & SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

Today, RÚV English travels back to the birth of the Icelandic capital. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, an open excavation uncovers the city's Viking Age history. Darren met with Jón Páll Björnsson at the capital's Settlement Exhibition on Aðalstræti, to learn more about Reykjavík's past, and what the city means, and has meant, for the nation. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/12/20230
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Episode 151 - THE HISTORY OF KEFLAVÍKURFLUGVÖLLUR

Today, RÚV English is joined by aviation expert Andrei Menshenin to examine the history of Iceland's main international airport. Keflavíkurflugvöllur, or Keflavík Airport, which includes The Leifur Eiríksson International Air Terminal, is the point of entry and exit for the majority of those coming into and leaving Iceland. It has quite a history. Today, Andrei goes through it with Darren. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/11/20230
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Episode 150 - THE VAKA FOLK MUSIC WEEKEND

Today, RÚV English looks ahead to next week's Vaka Folk Music Weekend. The Vaka Folk Music Weekend started in Akureyri in 2015, and was held in Reykjavík for the first time in 2019. It is a weekend dedicated to traditional music and the communities around it. Vaka is a 3-day celebration in the capital,that brings together the essence of Icelandic heritage through the enchanting melodies, vibrant rhythms, and timeless stories of folk music. 2023 marks the event's full, post-Covid return. The schedule of events can be found at https://www.vakareykjavik.is/about Darren spoke to organiser and musician Chris Foster, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/8/20230
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Episode 149 - AUÐSKILIÐ - ANTI-WHALING PROTESTS in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the recent anti-whaling protests at Reykjavík Harbour. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-09-05-enn-tha-motmaeli-i-hvalveidi-skipum-391021 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/7/20230
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Episode 148 - YOU CAN'T DO THAT! DOGS

Today on RÚV English, the latest in a series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. Dogs were effectively banned as pets, until surprisingly recently. Darren is again at the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/6/20230
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Episode 147 - SPJÖLLUM MEÐ HREIM - CHAT WITH AN ACCENT!

Today, RÚV English finds out about some free and fun Icelandic language lessons taking place in Reykjavík City Library. Free Icelandic practice meet-ups are underway from the 9th September at the library. It's a chance to "spjöllum með hreim", or "speak with an accent", and get to know other people who are learning too! The weekly meet-ups are for anyone who wants to practice their Icelandic speaking skills in a friendly and relaxed environment with experienced teachers. There are lots of different activities, all FREE, and all intended to help you speak and learn with confidence - and without pressure. See https://borgarbokasafn.is/en/lets-chat-accent for more details. Darren went to meet Martyna Karolina Daniel and Hildur Björgvinsdóttir from the project, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/5/20230
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Episode 146 - MÁR GUNNARSSON

Darren's guest today on RÚV English is musician and swimmer Már Gunnarsson. Már talk about his music career and musical studies in the UK, his recent competition in the Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester, and his successful battle to ensure that huge travel costs no longer land on blind Icelanders when they travel with their guide dogs. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/4/20230
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Episode 145 - THE ICELANDIC MUSEUM OF ROCK & ROLL

Today, RÚV English is at the Icelandic Museum of Rock & Roll. The museum - https://www.rokksafn.is/en - traces the history of modern music in Iceland, back to the first popular songs and recordings made by Icelanders, and takes the country's musical story right up to date. Darren is guided through the museum by Tómas Young, and even attempts to play a few of the musical instruments available, some more successfully than others. The visit coincides with the Night of Lights cultural and family festival - https://www.ljosanott.is/en Cultural focus is the hallmark of the festival, and music and art have always been at the forefront, as Reykjanesbær is a long-established musical town (as the museum demonstrates!) You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
9/1/20230
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Episode 144 - SUMMER BURGLARIES - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of summer burglaries in Reykjavík. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-07-27-morg-innbrot-a-hofudborgar-svaedinu-388781 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/31/20230
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Episode 143 - YOU CAN'T DO THAT! BUY MILK IN GENERAL SHOPS?

Today on RÚV English, the latest in a series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. Until the 1970s, milk could only be purchased in special milk shops - not in supermarkets, or any other kind of store - supposedly for reasons of hygiene. Darren is again at the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/30/20230
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Episode 142 - THE ART AND HOME DECOR SWAP

Today on RÚV English, we look at a chance to freshen up your home decor, at no cost! Do you have any art or home decor you don't enjoy or don't have enough space for anymore? You can bring them for a swap in Sólheimar City Library and exchange them for some other kind of decor someone else brought to the swap. The art swap market is one of many markets that will take place in Sólheimar City Library this year. Darren went to the library and spoke to Guðríður Sigurbjörnsdóttir and Lísbet Perla Gestsdóttir about the art swap, and the many other markets that take place there. See more information here: https://borgarbokasafn.is/en/event/arts-crafts/home-decor-art-swap-market You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/29/20230
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Episode 141 - PHANTOM SPARK: NEW VIDEO GAME FROM AN ICELANDIC COMPANY

Today on RÚV English, we look at a new video game, developed here in Iceland. Icelandic games company Ghosts has unveiled their all-new, time-trial racer game, called Phantom Spark. It's out early next year. Darren caught up with Joon Van Hove and Torfi Ásgeirsson at their HQ in hafnar.haus in Reykjavík, to hear all about the game, and the company. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/28/20230
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Episode 140 - ICELANDIC MUSICIANS OF COLOUR

We listen to a selection of music made by Icelandic musicians of colour today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður. Tracks played on today's show: Retro Stefson - Skin Unnsteinn Manuel - Talkin' Bout a Revolution (LIVE í Tónatali á RÚV) Logi Pedro - Svarta ekkja Aron Can - BLESSUN EÐA BÖLVUN Ragna Kjartansdóttir/Cell 7 - City Lights Ezekiel Carl - Fara Upp NonyKingz - Fia Burn You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/25/20230
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Episode 139 - ARE SEALS IN DANGER? - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of whether seals are endangered in Iceland. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-01-faerri-selir-saust-en-i-fyrra-389046 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/24/20230
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Episode 138 - YOU CAN'T DO THAT! - BEER

Today on RÚV English, the first in a new series looking at things which were illegal or impossible in Iceland, until just a few decades ago. Until 1989, beer was illegal in Iceland, or at least anything stronger than just over two percent proof. These weak ales were sometimes mixed with vodka, which, like other spirits and wine, was legal. The result was to badly - and somewhat disgustingly - approximate full strength beer, until the ban was finally lifted. Darren went to the National Museum of Iceland to speak to Helga Vollertsen, Curator of Ethnology, to find out more. Skál! You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/23/20230
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Episode 137 - FESTIVAL OF NATIONS, AKRANES

Today, RÚV English looks ahead to an international festival in Akranes next month. Taking place at the Jáðarsbakki sports hall in the town, The Festival of Nations West Iceland (Þjóðahátið Vesturlands) - https://www.facebook.com/festivalnationsiceland - is a cultural initiative that aims to highlight the diversity of nations represented among the Icelandic population, and and foster a sense of understanding among different communities. As ever, there will be many nations represented with performances, sampling from various countries' national food, handcrafts and much more, as well as lots of information about different cultures, and multicultural performances. This year the festival takes place on Saturday 16 September, between 2 and 5pm, and is free and family-friendly. If you would like to represent your nation in any way, perhaps by cooking or performing, or in some other way, the organisers ask you to go here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfphkFVYUZ5yLccshx0RtgiRTiTgFfsJxCifKmRdK0KojHapw/viewform - and and complete an application. Darren spoke to Raquel Herrera and Maxine Hagen from the festival, at the Andrými social centre in Reykjavík (https://andrymi.org/), about the fun that lies in store in Akranes next month. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. There's also an archive of all RÚV English programming, including this episode, at https://www.ruv.is/utvarp/spila/the-ruv-english-podcast/34448 Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/22/20230
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Episode 136 - THE HAMRABORG FESTIVAL, KÓPAVOGUR

Today RÚV English is in Kópavogur, looking ahead to the Hamraborg Festival. Hamraborg Festival focuses on visual arts, site-specific works, performance art and social engagements. It takes place every year at the end of August in Hamraborg, Kópavogur. This year's festival will be held between August 25th to 27th, with exhibitions open for a week between August 23rd to 30th. Every year the program includes art exhibitions, events, performance art pieces, music concerts, readings, screenings, dance works, street art and workshops open for everyone. All exhibitions take place in the Hamraborg district, where for a whole week local shops, offices, public places, bars and restaurants turn into exhibition spaces. And all events are completely free! Details are at https://www.hamraborgfestival.is Darren is joined by Joanna Pawlowska from the festival and artist Elísabet Birta Sveinsdóttir to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/21/20230
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Episode 135 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: RAP & HIP HOP

We look at the rich history of rap and hip hop in Iceland today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Guðmundur Jónsson - Lax lax lax Quarashi - Stick 'Em Up Subterranean - Central Magnetizm XXX Rottweiler Hundar - Brekkusöngur Afkvæmi Guðanna - Húllumhæ Emmsjé Gauti - Reykjavík Shades of Reykjavík - Skuggar Úlfur Úlfur - Tarantúlur Reykjavíkurdætur - Kalla Mig Hvað? Ghostigital - Don't Push Me You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/18/20230
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Episode 134 - AUÐSKILIÐ - EAGLE NUMBERS RISE - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of eagle numbers rising again in Iceland. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-03-ornum-fjolgar-a-islandi-389147 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/17/20230
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Episode 133 - OH, TO BE A BIRD

Today, RÚV English is in Borgarnes. We return to the Borgarnes Museum to take a look at the Oh, To Be A Bird exhibition - https://safnahus.is/oh-to-be-a-bird/ - originally based on the life work of two taxidermists, Kristján Geirmundsson and Jón M. Guðmundsson, it has specimens of over 205 birds of 116 species, including some that are considered very rare outside of Iceland. Darren is again guided through the exhibits by the museum's Kolbrún Björnsdóttir. The museum is free to enter and enjoy. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/16/20230
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Episode 132 - ICELANDIC FOOTBALL'S DEDICATED FANS

Today, RÚV English examines the support enjoyed by football teams across Iceland. Brandon Piel is an American student at the University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður. Since coming to Iceland, he has keenly followed the fortunes of local football team Íþróttafélagið Vestri, sometimes driving for hours to see them play as they travel across the country to away fixtures. Darren talks to Brandon about being a loyal Vestri fan, and the other football fans in Iceland who cover big distances to watch their teams play. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/15/20230
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Episode 131 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: JOSIE GAITENS

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren's guest is journalist Josie Gaitens. They look back on a weekend of two massive celebrations: Pride in the capital, and Dalvík's Great Fish Festival. Also under discussion are the cruise ships coming to Iceland in ever greater numbers, and the loss of a beloved Icelandic word from the name of a well-known furniture store! You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/14/20230
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Episode 130 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: REGGAE & DUB

We look at the rich history of reggae and dub music in Iceland today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Hjálmar, Prins Póló - Grillið inn Hjálmar - Lof AmabAdama - Óráð Ojba Rasta - Jolly Good Teitur Magnússon - Vinur vina minna RVK Soundsystem - Formaður Omnipus - Fractals You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/11/20230
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Episode 129 - AUÐSKILIÐ - PRESIDENT ROCKS OUT - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the President being a guest of honour at a German heavy metal festival! Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-03-forsetinn-serstakur-gestur-a-thungarokks-hatid-389161 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/10/20230
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Episode 128 - ICELAND'S NATIONAL COSTUME

Today, RÚV English finds out more about Icelandic national dress, at the Borgarnes Museum. The West Iceland town of Borgarnes is home to a museum (https://safnahus.is/the-borgarnes-museum/) which currently houses a fascinating exhibition of various Icelandic national dress. Kolbrún Björnsdóttir showed Darren around the exhibits, and explained the importance of dress and clothing to Iceland's national story. The exhibition - free to enter - runs until September 10. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/9/20230
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Episode 127 - THE AKRANES FOLK MUSEUM

Today, RÚV English is in Akranes. Founded in 1959, the Akranes Folk Museum is the place to learn about the past of this West Iceland town, and its surroundings. Darren met with museum director Jón Allansson for a tour of the exhibits, which bring to life the history of the town which stretches back almost all the way to Iceland's first settlement. Find out more at https://www.museum.is/enska You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/8/20230
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Episode 126 - VERSLUNARMANNAHEIGI - THE COMMERCE WEEKEND

Today, many Icelanders are off, having enjoyed the Verslunarmannahelgi, or "commerce weekend". What is the day about? Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Pétur Magnússon to find out more. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/7/20230
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Episode 125 - THE ICELAND MUSIC INFORMATION CENTRE

A look at a very special institution Iceland today, on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the work of the Iceland Music Information Centre, and the music that they preserve and advocate. See more at https://www.mic.is/ Music played on today's episode: Jórunn Viðar -Eldur Atli Heimir Sveinsson - minning Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson - Fipur Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson - La Jolla Good Friday I Anna Guðný Guðmundsdóttir, Guðni Franzson - Flug Tobias Guttman, Ingólfur Vilhjálmsson - 337° Anna Þorvaldsdóttir - Metacosmos Veronique Vaka - Gætni You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/4/20230
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Episode 124 - THE 2023 REYKJAVÍK MARATHON

RÚV English today looks ahead to this year's Reykjavík Marathon. The Marathon has taken place every year since 1984, in the centre of Reykjavik. It always happens on Saturday, August 18th or the Saturday after - this year, that's the 19th of the month. The race starts and ends in the City Centre of Reykjavik nearby The Pond (Tjörnin), and there are four different events to choose from. Darren spoke to event manager Hrefna Hlín Sveinbjörnsdóttir about the marathon, its history, the sights that runners will see, and how to register if you fancy running. Find out more at https://www.rmi.is/en The Marathon date also marks the anniversary of Reykjavik City. Reykjavik Culture Night (Menningarnótt) takes place in the capital on the same day, one of the most popular events in Iceland and the city's greatest celebration. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/3/20230
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Episode 123 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE HELICOPTERS, in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the helicopters which fly over the capital to see the eruption at Litli-Hrútur, and plans to move their flight path. Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-08-01-borgin-vill-faera-thyrluflug-389042 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/2/20230
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Episode 122 - CHRISTMAS IN JULY (almost)

Today, Darren marks the height of summer, by getting decidedly festive. Litla Jólabúðin - the little Christmas shop - sits in the middle of downtown Reykjavík, and is open all year round. Who, other than Xmas-obsessive Darren, visits such a place before December? The happy answer is that very many people do; tourists from around the world as well as city residents looking for their festive fix. Escaping the punishing fifteen-degree heat of a Reykjavík summer, Darren gets his tinsel on and meets the new owners of Litla Jólabúðin, María Björk Viðarsdóttir and Jóna Jóhanna Steinþórsdóttir, for some Christmas In July (almost). This episode may contain traces of Mariah Carey. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
8/1/20230
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Episode 121 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: ODDUR ÞÓRÐARSON

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined again by his RÚV colleague Oddur Þórðarson to talk volcanoes, banks, politics - and mould. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/31/20230
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Episode 120 - THE INNIPÚKINN FESTIVAL

Today, RÚV English previews the Reykjavík music festival for those who don't want to leave town next weekend. Innipúkinn is a 3-day annual music festival held in Reykjavik during the first weekend of August. During that weekend, much of the capital heads off to the countryside for the "merchants' holiday weekend", or Verslunarmannahelgin, and many will go camping out of the city. The Innipúkinn music festival however more than looks after those who don't, with some excellent tunes and a fantastic city festival vibe. Darren went to the Röntgen Bar in downtown Reykjavik, one of the venues, to meet Steinþór Helgi Arnsteinsson from the festival, and find out more. The festival takes place from 4-6 August at Gamla bíó and Röntgen, and Ingólfstræti street between the venues. Get tickets and find out more at https://tix.is/en/event/15580/innipukinn-2023/ and https://www.facebook.com/Innipukinnfestival/ You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/28/20230
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Episode 119 - THE TANKERS AND THE FIRES - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the firefighting which has gone on across the Reykjanes peninsula since the Litli-Hrútur eruption began, Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-07-26-slokkvilid-flytur-tankbila-ad-grodur-eldum-388688 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/27/20230
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Episode 118 - GRÍMUR/MASKS - 40 YEARS ON

Today, RÚV English looks forward to a new exhibition, but also back 40 years to see why it might not be so new, after all. In 1983, two Norwegian artists Göran Ohldieck and Kjetil Berge came to Iceland. The purpose of the trip was to set up a large exhibition titled MASKS at the Nordic House in Reykjavík - over 200 photograps and slides bubbling with queer aesthetics. In fact, not many people saw the exhibition as it only lasted for two days. The artists packed up the exhibition and left the country. The then management of The Nordic House were said to have wanted to censor the exhibition and asked the artists to remove "undesirable" works from the exhibition. The artists did not comply and packed the exhibition and left the country. Now, 40 years later, it is time to reveal the exhibition's history, have a conversation about it and the censorship of queer art and artists. The exhibition that was never held will be opened to the public, at The Nordic House, under the curatorship of Ynda Eldborg on August 10, 2023. Darren spoke to original artist Kjetil Berge about his and Göran's experience, and how he's looking forward to returning to Iceland after four decades have passed. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/26/20230
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Episode 117 - THE MUSEUM OF SORCERY & WITCHCRAFT, HÓLMAVÍK

Today, RÚV English is in Hólmavík, heading back to the seventeenth century, and the age of sorcery and witchcraft in Strandir, in Iceland's Westfjords. The Westfjords town of Hólmavík is home to the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft, a museum dedicated to the folklore and history of those practises in Iceland. The museum contains various permanent and special exhibitions on subjects such as the "necropants", Icelandic magical staves, Tilberi and Icelandic grimoires. An upstairs area focuses on the history of witch hunts in Iceland, and the genealogy of witches and their accusers. It is a fascinating and slightly spooky place, and Darren was guided through its exhibits by Anna Björg Þórarinsdóttir. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/25/20230
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Episode 116 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: INGUNN LÁRA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR

A new episode of The Week In Iceland today - Darren's guest is his RÚV colleague Ingunn Lára Kristjánsdóttir. The volcanic eruption continues to dominate, but the helicopter trips to see it are causing a noise nuisance for many capital area residents. Also under discussion, the low pollen count so far in 2023, the fall in inflation and hopes of an interest rate cut, and whether all of the cruise ship day trippers to Grímsey should make a bigger financial contribution to the island's infrastructure. The show plays out with "Eða", the latest track from Icelandic techno legends GusGus. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/24/20230
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Episode 115 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC

We look at the rich history of experimental music in Iceland today on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Magnús Blöndal Jóhannsson - Fjórar Abstraktsjónir Lárus Halldór Grímsson - Hotel Þingvellir Þorsteinn Hauksson - Psychomachia Christo Karólína Eiríksdóttir - In Vultu Solis Kjartan Ólafsson - Voices Variations Kjartan Ólafsson - Pars pro toto - en andinn er veikur Eygló Harðardóttir and Ríkharður H. Friðriksson - Hustle and Bustle II Skúli Sverrisson, Óskar Guðjónsson - The Box Tree Magnús Jóhann - Hóflegt yfirlæti You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/21/20230
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Episode 114 - THE DUCKS AND THE SCARECROW

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of the ducks which have made their way into a swimming pool in north Iceland, and left behind some unwelcome memories of their visit... Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-07-20-endur-til-vandraeda-a-laugum-388345 - we start just under the image. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/20/20230
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Episode 113 - THE MUSEUM OF EVERYDAY LIFE

Today, RÚV English is in Ísafjörður - looking at the everyday. The Westfjords town of Ísafjörður is home to The Museum of Everyday Life, which, as the name suggests, celebrates and explores the items we use every day, and what they say about us and our lives: https://hvers.is/visit/ The museum gathers photos, stories, smells, memories - and footwear - and preserves what they have to tell us: https://hvers.is/manifesto/ The museum is created by artists Vaida and Björg. Darren met with Björg, together with interns Bella and Sophia, to have his senses stimulated and his memories provoked, by the most interesting of everyday items. You can also listen to this and all other RÚV English programming on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast place, and subscribe too, to never miss a show. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected] - or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/19/20230
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Episode 112 - NEWS FROM RÚV'S FOREIGN DESK: SVETLANA TSHIKANOSKAYA

Here on RÚV English we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English. Svetlana Tshikanoskaya is the leader of the Belarus opposition, now living in exile in Vilnius, Lithuania, from where she directs her political opposition to Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus. Svetlana's husband, Sergei, is currently a political prisoner in Belarus, along with at least nearly 1500 others. Svetlana and their children have not seen him for three years. Svetlana was at the NATO summit, attending and organizing side-events. At one of those, she gave a special award to Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir, Iceland's minister of foreign affairs, for her steadfast support of the democratic opposition in Belarus. RÚV's Brussels correspondent Björn Malmquist met with Svetlana. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/18/20230
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Episode 111 - PIOTR KARCZMAREK

Today, RÚV English is in Ísafjörður. Piotr Karczmarek is a musician, sound engineer, promoter, guitar maker, concert organiser, brand ambassador for a synth company... if you have requirements in the area of sound in the Westfjords, Piotr is likely your man! He took time from an ever-busy day to talk to Darren in Ísafjörður. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/17/20230
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Episode 110 - THE OLD BOOKSTORE IN FLATEYRI

Today, Darren is in Flateyri, in the Westfjords. The Old Bookstore in Flateyri (https://flateyribookstore.com/) is the oldest original store in Iceland. It sells beautiful old Icelandic books by weight as well as new publications, local products and luxury goods. However, it is also where you can see a genuine Icelandic house, unchanged since 1950 - the former home of Jón and Guðrún. They lived in the apartment from the year 1915 onwards, and nothing has been altered. Jón and Guðrún were part of the bookstore family who have owned the home and shop for generations. Darren meets Eyþór Jóvinsson at the store, for a look at the books - and into the past. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/14/20230
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Episode 109 - WHY THE ERUPTION WON'T AFFECT YOUR FLIGHT

Today, RÚV English is joined by aviation expert Andrei Menshenin to calms fears of flight disruption! The eruption at Litli-Hrútur is very different from the famous Eyjafjallajökull event of 2010, which closed airspace above Europe for weeks. That's because this time we are seeing a fissure eruption: the magma is not forcing its way through water or a glacier, so no ash is thrown up into the atmosphere. Aviation journalist Andrei Menshenin is here with Darren to put your mind at ease about the impact - or lack thereof - that this eruption will have on flights. The conversation was recorded just moments before police closed the hiking route to the eruption site. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/13/20230
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Episode 108 - THE LITLI-HRÚTUN ERUPTION, WITH VALUR GRETTISSON

Today, RÚV English talks to Valur Grettisson, on day 3 of the eruption. Darren Adam is joined by his colleague Valur Grettisson, known to literally millions for his coverage of eruptions in Iceland in 2021 and 2022, to assess where we are on day three of Litli-Hrútur. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/12/20230
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Episode 107 - RUV'S BJÖRN MALMQUIST WITH FORMER UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT

Here on RÚV English we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English. Björn Malmquist, our Brussels correspondent, on a coffee break outside the EU council building last week, randomly met Petro Poroshenko, president of Ukraine from 2014 - 2019, until he lost to Volodymyr Zelensky, the current president. Poroshenko is now a member of the Ukrainian parliament and was in Brussels with a delegation of parliamentarians to talk about Ukraine's application to become member of the European Union. After a lengthy meeting at the European Parliament, Björn got the chance to sit down with Poroshenko, and speak to him about Ukraine's struggle against the Russian invasion, the EU application and other issues. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/11/20230
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Episode 106 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: MARGRÉT ADAMSDÓTTIR

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Our show was recorded at 11am on Monday. Darren fervently hopes that there isn't a volcanic eruption before the episode publishes some time after 4pm, otherwise his conversation with RÚV Polski's Margrét Adamsdóttir is going to sound very dated, very quickly! We cover - yes, the earthquakes and possible eruption - but also beer, walruses, festivals and weather. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/10/20230
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Episode 105 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: SYNTH-PUNK

We look at synth-punk in Iceland today on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the genre. Tracks played on today's show: Kaelan Mikla - Lítil Dýr Guðir hins nýja tíma - Dansa burtu tárin Dauðyflin - Frelsið til að vera kúguð eða kúga aðra BÖRN - Vonin er drepin Þórir Georg - Years and years and years Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/7/20230
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Episode 104 - AUÐSKILIÐ - MÝRDALSJÖKULL in simple Icelandic

Today, a new episode of Auðskilið, from RÚV English. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of earthquake activity around Mýrdalsjökull from a week ago - obviously, it is fair to say, there has been a bit more activity in a different part of Iceland since this episode was recorded! Practice your Icelandic by following along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-27-jardskjalfti-i-myrdals-jokli-386496 - we start just under the image. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/6/20230
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Episode 103 - THE ICELAND DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL IN AKRANES

Today, RÚV English looks ahead to a film festival taking place in Akranes later this month. IceDocs - the Iceland Documentary Film Festival, will be held for the fifth time this July. It?s hosted on July 19th to July 23rd in the town of Akranes. The festival will feature a number of the very best of the world?s documentaries, as well as a high quality music programme, pub quizzes, beach parties, film related events and a children?s programme. Darren is joined by Anna Björnsson to hear more. Find out all about the festival at www.icedocs.is Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/5/20230
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Episode 102 - THE ARCTIC FOX CENTRE, SÚÐAVÍK

Today RÚV English is in Súðavík, at the Arctic Fox Centre. The Arctic Fox Centre is a non-profit research and exhibition centre, focusing on the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) - the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. The Centre occupies the beautiful Eyrardalsbæ house, the oldest building in the village with a place in the heart of Súðavík. Darren talks to Genka and Ivana about the work of the centre, and meets their two famous residents: arctic foxes Mist and Mia! Find out more about the centre here - https://www.melrakki.is/generated-homepage/home/about-us/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/4/20230
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Episode 101 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: INGIBJÖRG RÓSA BJÖRNSDÓTTIR

A new episode of The Week In Iceland today from RÚV English. Darren is in Ísafjörður, and his guest is Ingibjörg Rósa Björnsdóttir, Marketing and Web Manager at the University Centre of the Westfjords. To discuss: opportunities to learn Icelandic as a foreign language online, the Íslandsbanki report, Kuba's house reposession, inflation falling (a bit), and a likely merger for two Westfjords municipalities (and why Icelandic tunnels are awesome). Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
7/3/20230
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Episode 100 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: INDIE

We hit the century looking at Icelandic indie here today on RÚV English. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the indie scene in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Prins Póló - París Norðursins Hjaltalín - Waterfall BSÍ - My knee against kyriarchy Ólafur Kram - Aumingja Þuríður Gróa - Ég skal bíða eftir þér Skrattar - Ógisslegt Skoffín - SÆTAR STELPUR Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/30/20230
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Episode 99 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE FORCED SALE OF KUBA'S HOME?

Today, a new episode of Auðskilið, from RÚV English. Atli joins Darren again to read a recent news story in simple Icelandic. We look at the story of Kuba, a disabled man whose house was sold after he failed to pay a variety of bills. It's a fast moving story and may have moved on more than once by the time you hear this. Follow along with the story at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-28-missti-husid-sitt-a-naudungar-uppbodi-386553 - we start just under the image. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/29/20230
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Episode 98 - SÖGUHRINGUR KVENNA/THE WOMEN'S STORY CIRCLE

Today, RÚV English finds out about the Women's Story Circle. It creates chances for immigrant women and Icelandic women to exchange anecdotes and be creative together. One of the activities that takes place involves growing and tending plants in the Nordic House greenhouse, which is where Darren met Liliane, one of the Story Circle hosts, and Marion, board member of the Women Of Multicultural Ethnicity Network in Iceland, an umbrella group which includes the Story Circle project. There's more about the Story Circle here - https://www.facebook.com/soguhringur/about_details - and the Network here - https://womeniniceland.is/en/we-are-w-o-m-e-n/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/28/20230
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Episode 97 - THE HORNSTRANDIR FILM FESTIVAL

Today, RÚV English looks ahead to a very special film festival. In Iceland's far north-west, deep into the most inaccessible part of the Westfjords, a series of films are soon to show in four very special venues. Hornstrandir, which can only be reached by boat or by hiking, will see four temporary cinemas pop up in July, to show a selection of environmentally-themed films from a diverse range of filmmakers. For anyone who can't get to Hornstrandir - which will be many - there will be opportunities to stream the films in September. See the programme and find out more here - https://www.hornstrandirfilmfestival.com/ Darren's guest is Bjarney Ludviksdottir, a freelance director and producer who has worked in the marketing and film industry for many years, and one of the team behind the festival. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/27/20230
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Episode 96: THE WEEK IN ICELAND: HALLGRÍMUR INDRIÐASON

Today, a new episode of The Week In Iceland, from RÚV English. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Hallgrímur Indriðason, to look back on the last seven days here in Iceland. Much to discuss this week - the report into the Íslandsbanki share sale, the Nordic Council of Ministers meeting on Vestmannaeyjar, suspension of the whaling licence, living on Rockall for two months, and good news for Már and his guide dog Max. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/26/20230
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Episode 95 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: BLACK METAL

Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Darren is joined again by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou in Siglufjörður, to examine the history of the black metal scene in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Icecross - Jesus Freaks Wormlust - Á altari mesitarans Misþryming - Blóðhefnd Svartidauði - Wolves Of A Red Sun NYIÞ - Til Eru Hræ Naðra - Fórn Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/23/20230
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Episode 94 - WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH WHALING?

RÚV English unpacks the last-minute decision to suspend whaling in Iceland this summer. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Valur Grettisson to find out why Iceland's Minister of Food decided to suspend the licence given to hunt whales this summer, just one day before it was due to begin. The move has met with anger from workers, unions, and even politicians in the same coalition government as the Minister. How much support is there for a complete ban on whaling in Iceland - and does this decision mean it's now effectively ended anyway? Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/22/20230
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Episode 93 - 40 YEARS OF MAREL

Today, RÚV English joins the ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations of Icelandic food processing solutions company Marel. The company has been a fixture in the capital area since its creation there in 1983, and now spreads its wings into dozens of other countries, offering software, machinery, systems and solutions to the poultry, meat and fish processing industries, as well as those involved in the production of new plant-based material. Marel is a truly international company, and that's especially obvious at its Garðabær HQ, where workers from all over the world keep the business running and expanding. Darren is joined by Stacey Katz, Chief Financial Officer, Danae Acevedo, Marketing Project Coordinator, Daniel Niddam, Industry Sales Manager, and Bing Yu, Business Intelligence Solutions Architect, who between them hail from three different continents! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/21/20230
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Episode 92 - THE NORDIC HOUSE IN REYKJAVÍK

Today, RÚV English is back in the Nordic House in Reykjavík. The Nordic House is a Nordic culture centre and one of the institutions for cultural cooperation between the Nordic and the Baltic countries. Darren is joined by Sabina Westerholm, director of the House, to find out more about what it does, what you can see, and why it's always worth a visit! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/20/20230
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Episode 91 - EMERGE PROJECT: NATURAL HAZARDS AND THREATS IN ICELAND

Today, RÚV English looks at a hazards and climate conference, hosted at the Icelandic Met Office last month. The EMERGE project was created to look at the regional and remote aspects of a changing climate from the perspective of natural hazards, in a variety of northern countries, including Iceland. Darren spoke to a number of participants in the conference - his guests are: Dr. Chris White, from the University of Strathclyde, Head of the Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability and Public Health at the University Matthew Roberts, Managing Director of Service and Research at the Icelandic Met Office Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Iceland Michael Cranston, lead forecaster for flood hazards in Scotland Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/19/20230
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Episode 90 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC - COUNTRY

Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Darren is back in Siglufjörður to join music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou, to examine the history of country music made in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Axel O - Island In The North KK - Kærleikur og tími Vinir Dóra og Chicago Beau - No more Alcohol Klaufur - Lífið er ferlega flókið Sycamore Tree - Wild Wind Sigrun Stella - Baby Blue Many thanks again to the Folk Music Centre (Þjóðlagasetur) in Siglufjörður for hosting the recording of this and our other music history episodes. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/16/20230
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Episode 89 - AUÐSKILIÐ - HÁSKOLABÍÓI CLOSURE - in simple Icelandic

Today, a new episode of Auðskilið from RÚV English. Atli is back to read through the story of Háskólabíói, the university cinema which is to stop showing films. Follow and read along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-06-haett-ad-syna-kvikmyndir-i-haskolabioi - we start just below the image. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/15/20230
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Episode 88 - SKYR'S THOUSAND YEAR HISTORY AS AN ICELANDIC STAPLE

Today, RÚV English hears the amazing story of skyr - the Icelandic cheese seemingly rebranded as a dessert. Iceland's cheese and dairy queen Eirný Sigurðardóttir (https://www.instagram.com/icelandcheesequeen/?hl=en) takes Darren through a millennia of skyr's story, and how it - or something like it but different - ended up for sale in an "Icelandic style" in many places. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/14/20230
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Episode 87 - THE VIKING FESTIVAL, HAFNARFJÖRÐUR

Today, RÚV English looks ahead to this year's Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður. Darren's guest is Jökull "Tandri" Ámundason from the Viking society Rimmugýgur. He explains exactly what to expect in this Viking town between June 14 and 18. See the programme of events at https://www.facebook.com/rimmugygur Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/13/20230
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Episode 86 - THE ARNA WESTFJORDS WAY CYCLING CHALLENGE

Today, RÚV English looks into cycling 1000km around the Westfjords... The Arna Westfjords Way Challenge follows the Westfjords Way ? a bikepacking route established with the help of the Westfjords Tourism office and scouting team Chris Burkard, Lael Wilcox, Rue Kaladyte, Payson McElveen, and Nichole Baker. It totals 954 km [593 mi] and each stage ranges from 211 to 255 km [131 to 158 mi]. It doesn't sound like it is for the faint hearted, but Darren's guest today completed it last year and will again in a few weeks. Stephen Shelesky tells Darren about the training, the sense of achievement, and a love of Iceland that has pulled him back to complete the challenge again. Find out more about the challenge at https://cyclingwestfjords.com/wfwc/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/12/20230
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Episode 85 - FOR THOSE WHO COULDN'T CROSS THE SEA

Today, RÚV English is at the Nordic House in Reykjavík, to find out about a new exhibition which opens tomorrow. For Those Who Couldn?t Cross the Sea features the works of five Middle Eastern artists. The exhibition reflects on the experiences of refugees and migrants, as well as the challenges they face in their search for a new home. Darren talks to curator Elham Fakouri, and one of the artists, Adel Abidin. The exhibition is free to view and runs from June 10 until September, in the Hvelfing exhibition space at the Nordic House. Find out more here - https://nordichouse.is/en/event/for-those-who-couldnt-cross-the-sea/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/9/20230
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Episode 84 - AUÐSKILIÐ - ÍBV HANDBALL CHAMPIONS - in simple Icelandic

Today, a new episode of Auðskilið from RÚV English. Atli is back to read through the story of ÍBV becoming Iceland's handball champions. Follow and read along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-06-01-ibv-er-islandsmeistari-i-handbolta-karla - we start just below the image of the celebrating players. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/8/20230
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Episode 83 - HIT LGBTQIA+ MUSICAL IN ENGLISH AT NATIONAL THEATRE

Today, Darren meets the authors, director and performer of "Good Morning, Faggi", a musical being performed in English tonight - Wednesday 7th June (and this coming Saturday) - at the National Theatre. Gay actor Bjarni Snæbjörnsson finds his teenage diaries and is so taken by the discovery that he decides he has to write a show based on his childhood ponderings and letters to his mother - and of course, it needs to be a musical. As he navigates his personal history, he has a nervous breakdown. Knowing he still must write this play, with the support of dear friends, composer Axel Ingi and writer and director Gréta Kristín Ómarsdóttir, he tries to understand what happened to cause his mental collapse. "Good Morning, Faggi" premiered in August 2021, during Reykjavík Pride, running for two seasons. Darren is joined by Bjarni and Gréta to hear about the show, and how Bjarni's discovery of his old diaries sparked the creation of a show that has sold out over 120 times and toured extensively to venues, community spaces, and schools across Iceland. Bjarni, Gréta and Axel's theatre company is called Stertabenda (in English: "perplex") - find out more at perplex.is THE NEXT PERFORMANCE OF THE SHOW IS ON SUNDAY 11 JUNE - not Saturday as stated in the conversation! The episode plays out with a special version of the song "Næs", from the musical, which was reworked to become the official Pride song for 2022. An album of songs from the musical is at https://open.spotify.com/album/4TODgryZg9D7E3OzrASPAh - it's in Icelandic, but an English language version isn't far away. And you can get tickets for Sunday's performance here - https://tix.is/is/leikhusid/buyingflow/tickets/10450/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/7/20230
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Episode 82 - GO SLEDDING, GO KNITTING, GOHUSKY!

Today, RÚV English is in Glæsibær, near Akureyri, to meet the hard working huskies at goHusky! goHusky is an Icelandic family owned company by Gunnar and María that offers all year round husky tours of the surrounding area - but that's not all. With eighteen adult dogs and a new handful of pups, there is no shortage of husky hair. María was always a keen knitter, and that made Gunnar wonder: could all of this hair be knitted like wool? He learned to spin the hair into a kind of husky yarn, from which María knits hats, gloves and other wonderfully warm items. Darren met the dogs, and the pups, and was surprised to hear how quiet they all were, at least apart from one moment when they all decided to burst into joyful husky song! Follow the adventures of the dogs, and the quickly growing youngsters, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gohuskyiceland/ - and find out more about meeting the dogs or taking a tour with them at https://gohusky.is/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/6/20230
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Episode 81 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: ODDUR ÞÓRÐARSON

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Oddur Þórðarson to talk strikes, aid for Ukraine, opposition to whaling, and the darkest May on record. Today's episode plays out with Bakka Ekki Út by Aron Can & Birnir. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/5/20230
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Episode 80 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: THE ACCORDION

Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Darren heads to Siglufjörður once again to join music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou, to examine music made in Iceland using one specific instrument: the accordion. Tracks played on today's show: Dansað á þorranum · Bragi Hlíðberg Meira fjör · Garðar Olgeirsson Síldarstúlkurnar · Grettir Björnsson Þórður sjóari · Alfreð Clausen Harmóník 2 - Sóley Sjómannavalsinn - Sigurður Ólafsson Many thanks again to the Folk Music Centre (Þjóðlagasetur) in Siglufjörður for hosting the recording of this and our other music history episodes. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/2/20230
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Episode 79 - AUÐSKILIÐ: SISTER WHALES IN SIMPLE ICELANDIC

Today, a new episode of Auðskilið from RÚV English. Atli is back to read through the story of two sibling whales, temporarily brought back indoors while one recovers. Follow and read along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-05-31-veikur-hvalur-i-vestmanna-eyjum - we start just below the image of Litla-Grá. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
6/1/20230
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Episode 78 - THE RAVEN'S NEST WITH AUTHOR SARAH THOMAS

Today, Darren talks to author Sarah Thomas. Sarah's book, "The Raven's Nest", is published in paperback on 1 June, having had its hardback release last July. "The Raven's Nest" describes Sarah's experiences of visiting Iceland as an anthropologist and filmmaker in 2008. An immediate love for this country and for Bjarni, a man she meets there, turns a week-long stay into a half-decade which radically alters Sarah's understanding of herself and of the living world. She embarks on a relationship not only with Bjarni, but with the light, the language and the old wooden house they make their home. But as her marriage later falls apart, Sarah finds inspiration in the artistry of a raven's nest: a home which persists through breaking and reweaving, over and over. Sarah tells Darren about writing the book, her enduring love of Iceland, and how the country and its landscapes have become a part of her. Find out more at https://sarahthomas.net/the-ravens-nest/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/31/20230
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Episode 77 - THE GRIEF OF LOSING A CHILD: GLEYM MÉR EI & SORGARMIÐSTÖÐ

Today, RÚV English looks at two organisations which can help parents through a terrible loss. Darren is joined by previous RÚV English guest Pálina (https://www.facebook.com/lavikingamexicana/), and Ana Baldursdóttir, to talk about their roles with Gleym mér ei (Forget me not - https://gme.is/en/) - a non-profit organisation for those who have lost during pregnancy or during or after birth. Since 2017, Gleym mér ei has given memory boxes to parents experiencing these losses. Gleym mér ei is also part of Sorgarmiðstöð (https://sorgarmidstod.is/en/), which exists to support those who are grieving and all those who work towards their well-being. Its activities are primarily related to support, counselling, information services and education. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/30/20230
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Episode 76 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: ALEXANDER KRISTJÁNSSON

Today, a holiday Monday edition of The Week In Iceland. This week Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Alexander Kristjánsson, to look back on a week of weather, interest rates rising, inflation falling, a new direct flight route announced between the UK and Akureyri, data showing seemingly the entire TV watching nation glued to Eurovision, and new tunnels due to be built in eastern Iceland. Today's show plays out with Nanna from Of Mice And Men, and the title track from her new solo album "How To Start A Garden". Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/29/20230
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Episode 75 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: PUNK

Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. Punk hit Iceland in the late 70s. Darren heads to Siglufjörður once again to join music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou, to examine Iceland's take on this music. Tracks played on today's show: Fræbbblarnir - Bjor Utangarðsmenn - Blóðið er rautt Þeyr · Public Purrkur Pillnikk - Hvað get ég gert? Grýlurnar - Sísí Dúkkulísur - Pamela Vonbrigði - Ó Reykjavík Jakobínarína - His Lyrics Are Disastrous Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/26/20230
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Episode 74 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE WEATHER IN SIMPLE ICELANDIC

Today on RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið. Atli is back with Darren to go through another simply written and read news story, today about the stormy weather that affected Iceland this week. Follow along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-05-23-mikill-vindur-i-dag - we start with the first main paragraph, under the image of the map. We also talk about the bizarre linguistic confusion between the Icelandic words "bakari" (bakery) and "apotek" (pharmacy), and some research that has been done into the phenomenon! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/25/20230
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Episode 73 - AT THE HOF: THE HEART OF AKUREYRI'S CULTURAL LIFE

RÚV English is in Akureyri today, at The Hof - the city's striking cultural centre. Hof Cultural Centre attracts thousands of guests from all over the country and internationally with cultural and artistic events, concerts, conferences, meetings and much more. The circular building's exterior is inspired by Icelandic igneous rocks. Darren met up with Eva Hrund Einarsdóttir, manager of The Akureyri Culture Company (Menningarfélag Akureyrar - https://www.mak.is/en), and also Þórgnýr Dýrfjörður, director of culture, marketing and tourism at Akureyri City, to hear about the artistic and cultural life of the city and northern Iceland, and how the areas punch well above their weight, both within Iceland and internationally. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/24/20230
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Episode 72 - THE HERRING ERA MUSEUM, SIGLUFJÖRÐUR

Today, RÚV English is in Siglufjörður, at the remarkable Herring Era Museum. The inhabitants of Siglufjörður still talk of the two Norwegian 'occupations' of the area: the first undertaken by the Viking Thormódur Rammi around 900 AD, the second being the 1903 herring influx that built the world's most famous herring town. For years, the entire life of Siglufjörður centred around the herring catch and processing - the town's many salting stations and processing factories were a living reminder of that. Siglufjörður was also one of the most important ports in Iceland and, on more than one occasion, herring exported from this town accounted for over 20% of the nation's total exports. The Herring Era Museum is spread across a number of buildings, and brings to life a period of huge wealth and prosperity for this beautiful town in north Iceland. Darren is accompanied on his visit by Daníel Pétur Daníelsson, in charge of collections at the museum. Clips of music played: Landleguvalsinn by Haukur Morthens Síldarstúlkan by Sigrún Hjálmtýsdóttir Sjana síldarkokkur by Svavar Lárusson and the Monty trio Síldarstúlkurnar performed on the accordion by Grettir Björnsson These songs are from a collection of music associated with the herring years, issued in 1992. It contains recordings of 23 of the best known and most popular songs from the herring era. The album was reissued in 2011 and is widely available, also at the Herring Museum. Find the museum online at http://www.sild.is/en/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/23/20230
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Episode 71 - A LONG TRIP BACK IN TIME AT ÞINGVELLIR

Today, RÚV English is on the road, at Þingvellir. Þingvellir National Park is the site of Iceland's first Parliament, dating back nearly eleven hundred years. But it's also right at the point where the European and American continents are still slowly pulling apart. This historical, political and geological marvel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-visit for travellers and Icelanders alike. Darren meets Torfi Stefán Jónsson, interpretative planner at the Park, for a deep dive back into the past. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/22/20230
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Episode 70 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: NEW WAVE

Today RÚV English listens to and looks at another genre of Icelandic music. The "New Wave" washed over Iceland in the late 70s and early 80s, much as it did in many other places. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren in Siglufjörður once again, to examine Iceland's take on this music. Tracks played on today's show: S. H. Draumur - Ostrur Q4U - Böring Taugadeildin - Guðir Hins Nýja Tíma Grafík - Þúsund sinnum segðu já EGO - Stórir strákar fá raflost Sonus Futurae - Skyr með rjóma Lóla - Fornaldarhugmyndir Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/19/20230
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Episode 69 - NORDIC WOMEN IN TECH AWARDS COME TO ICELAND

Today, RÚV English looks ahead to the Nordic Women In Tech Awards, coming to Iceland later this year. Darren is joined by Paula Gould, co-founder of WomenTechIceland (https://www.womentechiceland.com), together with board member Alondra Silva Muñoz, and Plamena Cherneva, Co-founder & CEO of the Nordic Women In Tech Awards (https://nordicwomenintechawards.com). The Nordic Women in Tech Awards is an annual event organized by non-profit organisation WonderCoders to recognise and celebrate the achievements of female role models, who are leading the movement for more women in tech in the Nordic countries. There is still time to nominate someone you think deserves a nod - go to the awards website to find out more! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/18/20230
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Episode 68 - THE ART OF MICHELLE BIRD

Today, RÚV English meets artist Michelle Bird. At her Borgarnes home and studio, Darren talks to Michelle about her art, the stunning and inspiring surroundings of Borgarfjörður, and the joys of blindfold painting! Find out more about Michelle's work here: https://www.theartofmichellebird.com/ https://www.couragecreativityiceland.com/ https://www.arthouseborgarnes.com/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/17/20230
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Episode 67 - TO THE TOP OF AKRANES LIGHTHOUSE

Today, amongst other things, RÚV English takes in stunning views and sounds in West Iceland. The lighthouse in Akranes, around a hour north of Reykjavík, welcomes many visitors - and musicians, who appreciate the remarkable acoustics inside the structure. Darren meets Hilmar Sigvaldason, who keeps the lighthouse open for those who want to see (and hear) what it's all about. You can climb the stairs inside, right to the top, and step outside next to the lamp for some wonderful views of Akranes and out into Faxaflói. Find out even more about the lighthouses - actually, there are two - here: https://www.facebook.com/Akranesviti/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/16/20230
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Episode 66 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND - AND THIS WEEK TO COME

Today, RÚV English looks back on a busy week - and ahead to an even busier one? Darren's guest is author and journalist Valur Gunnarsson, reviewing Eurovision, whaling, the two members of Pussy Riot who are amongst Iceland's newest citizens, and the proposed "alternate airport" tax. But the conversation also turns to the rest of this week, with Iceland's presidency of the Council of Europe concluding with a major summit in the capital. Valur's latest book, and first in English, is called "What If Vikings Conquered The World?", which is published in the next few weeks. Today's show plays out with the great new single by singer-songwriter Már Gunnarsson, "Falling For You". Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/15/20230
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Episode 65 - CELEBRATING ICELANDIC MUSIC - THE ELECTRIC YEARS

Today, RÚV English is in Siglufjörður, with music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou. As we examine and celebrate Icelandic music genre by genre, today we reach the arrival of the electric guitar in the Icelandic music scene. This is the point at which things sound identifiably like rock'n'roll, and then start spinning off into lots of other areas. Lydia and Darren discuss how that development sounded in Iceland, with some great music along the way. Tracks played on today's show: Thor's Hammer - A Memory (https://open.spotify.com/track/4OLKzOYv94Udzl2LJa3uMb) Dátar - Gvendur á eyrinni (https://open.spotify.com/track/3u9Q9taMA44iqWISK3x4yT) Trúbrot - Just Another Face (https://open.spotify.com/track/2JWwhmZCC4hisIj5QaVfpi) Þrjú á palli - Við höldum til hafs á ný (https://open.spotify.com/track/4WZqJ1pEV8fan5Q6gNqOY5) Náttúra - Out Of The Darkness (https://open.spotify.com/track/3hLJRFK3IqXuGfdV1zGMZv) Megas - Jónas Ólafur Jóhannesson frá Hriflu (https://open.spotify.com/track/6zSZPxPpGIBuh0P3aWOR8j) Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/12/20230
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Episode 64 - AUÐSKILIÐ AT EUROVISION - in simple Icelandic

Today on RÚV English, a preview of tonight's big night for Diljá, in simple Icelandic. Atli and Darren look ahead to the second semi-final, listing all of the competing countries' names, and describe the contest in simply written and read Icelandic. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-05-11-island-keppir-i-eurovision-i-kvold - we start just under Diljá's pic! Áfram Ísland! Áfram Diljá! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/11/20230
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Episode 63 - EUROVISION NOT THE ONLY DIVERSITY CELEBRATION

Today, RÚV English is in Breiðholt, and looking ahead to Saturday. This weekend, Reykjavík's family and petting zoo (Fjölskyldu- og húsdýragarðurinn) will play host to the Ambassadors in Breiðholt celebration of diversity in the capital suburb. A "cultural garden" will be set up in the zoo, with food and beverage tastings, craft sales and workshops, and performances from a variety of artists. Ambassadors in Breiðholt is a grassroots project that connects various cultural and linguistic groups in the community. Darren talks today to Tanya Korolenko about Saturday's festival and the work that is done to help newcomers to Iceland, not just in Breiðholt but across the country. (And as a Ukrainian, she also has a couple of thoughts about Eurovision...) Find out more about Saturday's fun filled day here - https://www.facebook.com/events/1746130862470760 - and, it's free! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/10/20230
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Episode 62 - PLAY JA JA DING DONG AT THE HUSAVÍK EUROVISION MUSEUM!

Today, RÚV English talks Eurovision in what is surely the spiritual home of the contest, Husavík! The 2020 comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, co-written by and starring Will Ferrell, follows the dream of a young boy from Husavík - to win the Eurovision Song Contest. In this big week, Darren talks to Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson, founder of the Husavík Eurovision Museum, about the contest and the film, and what they have meant for the town. It might be Eurovision week but as Darren hears, the museum welcomes visitors all year round. And yes - I will play Ja Ja Ding Dong. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/9/20230
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Episode 61 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND IN AKUREYRI: ÓLÖF RÚN ERLENDSDÓTTIR

Today, RÚV English is in Akureyri, for an episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren joins his RÚV colleague Ólöf Rún Erlendsdóttir at the Akureyri studio to discuss the week that's been - with quakes around Katla, strikes planned by the BSRB union, Russia spying on Iceland - and Björk winning over thousands of festival-goers at Coachella. But the even bigger story is of course what's yet to come! Darren and Ólöf look ahead to the massive Eurovision week. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/8/20230
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Episode 60 - THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF ICELAND AT EUROVISION

On the eve of Eurovision week, Darren and music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou review every single Icelandic entry to Eurovision since the debut in 1986! Lydia also picks her favourites to play, which don't always align with the jury and public choices. See every single performance here - www.ruv.is/songvakeppnin/island-i-eurovision And it goes without saying - but let's say it anyway - áfram Diljá og áfram Ísland! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/5/20230
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Episode 59 - AUÐSKILIÐ - 12 year old sports star, in simple Icelandic

Today from RÚV English, another episode of Auðskilið - the news written and read in easy to understand Icelandic. Darren is once again joined by his colleague Atli, to hear the story of 12 year old Icelandic tennis champ Garima Nitinkumar Kalugade. Follow along with the story here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-26-12-ara-islands-meistari-i-tennis - and we start just under the photo. This week there is an accompanying video of the story, in Icelandic - you can watch that on the same story page. And find more news in simple Icelandic at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/4/20230
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Episode 58 - BEHIND THE SCENES AT KRAKKAFRÉTTIR

Today, RÚV English finds out about Krakkafréttir, RÚV's daily news programme for younger viewers. Darren spoke to one of the programme's two hosts, Kolbrún María Másdóttir, and editor Karitas Mörtudóttir Bjarkadóttir, about putting together a news programme for a younger audience. However, today's episode from RÚV English was actually prompted by listener Helen, who got in touch partly as she uses Krakkafréttir to help her learn Icelandic! Krakkafréttir is broadcast five days a week on RÚV and can be watched here too - https://www.ruv.is/krakkaruv/renningur/krakkafrettir Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/3/20230
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Episode 57 - THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF COMEDY IN ICELAND

Today, RÚV English travels to Borgarnes to find out about comedy in the town and in the capital. A quick glance at the website comedyiniceland.com will confirm no shortage of opportunities to laugh at English-language comedy in Iceland. The site is run by comedian Dan Zerin, a regular presence on the stand-up circuit in Reykjavík. Darren is joined by Dan and his collaborator Jess Marie - together they are bringing regular comedy shows to Borgarnes, due to start later this month. Jess is also working with future podcast guest and artist Michelle Bird on an arts festival due to come to the town in February of next year. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/2/20230
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Episode 56 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: HAUKUR HOLM

Holiday Monday brings a new episode of The Week In Iceland to The RÚV English Podcast. Darren's guest today is his RÚV colleague Haukur Holm. In an episode recorded on Friday, they assess the state of the case of the Hafnarfjörður killing, discuss hopes that a protective genotype might eliminate scrapie in Icelandic sheep, the sudden return of winter last week, and Akureyri getting its long hoped for 20,000th resident. The show plays out with Echo, by Icelandic-Austrian singer Thorsteinn Einarsson. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
5/1/20230
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Episode 55 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: THE "GOLDEN OLDIES"

Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. Today we examine the "golden oldies" - the crooners who emerged in Iceland in the fifties from the dancehalls, just before rock'n'roll moved in. Songs played on today's show: Erla Þorsteinsdóttir & Haukur Morthens - Þrek og tár Óðinn Valdimarsson - Ég er kominn heim Ellý Vilhjálms - Vegir liggja til allra átta Ragnar Bjarnason - Komdu í kvöld Guðrún Á. Símonar - Siboney Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
4/28/20230
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Episode 54 - AUÐSKILIÐ, in simple Icelandic: REYKJAVÍK BREAKS THE LAW?

Today on The RÚV English, a new episode of Auðskilið - the news written and read in simple Icelandic. Atli joins Darren to look at claims that Reykjavík City may have acted unlawfully. Follow the story as it's read, here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-26-reykjavikur-borg-braut-log - as ever, we start just under the image. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish The RÚV English Podcast is daily English language programming from RÚV, the national broadcaster of Iceland.
4/27/20230
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Episode 53 - THE FUTURE, PAST AND PRESENT OF AKUREYRI AIRPORT

Today on The RÚV English Podcast, Darren's guest is aviation journalist Andrei Menshenin, making a return visit to the show. Iceland's northern capital was first served by air in 1928 - or perhaps more accurately, by air and sea, as the first services saw seaplanes land on the water at Eyjafjörður near downtown Akureyri. It wasn't until the 1950s that construction of an airport began. Andrei tells Darren about the history of flight to Iceland's north, the current plans to expand Akureyri Airport further, and what are hopefully only temporary difficulties for two airlines looking to expand international flights to and from the airport. (And very special thanks to Andrei for coming in to the show on his birthday!) Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish
4/26/20230
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Episode 52 - THE SETTLEMENT CENTRE, BORGARNES

Today, The RÚV English Podcast visits the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, in West Iceland. In two of the town's oldest buildings, The Settlement Centre recreates Iceland's earliest days and introduces visitors to one of the best known heroes of the Icelandic Sagas. Rather than a traditional museum, the Settlement Centre is an installation. Multi-media and theatrical techniques help the visitor experience first hand the excitement of setting sail. There are two exhibitions - one tells the story of the first settlers, the other reveals the story of Iceland's most important saga - Egils Saga. Egill Skalla-Grimson was a famous Viking and poet, and his saga is closely linked to the settlement period, as his father was one of the first settlers. Darren meets up with the founders and owners, Sigríður Margrét Guðmundsdóttir and Kjartan Ragnarsson, to find out more about the Centre, which has been a much-loved part of Borgarnes since 2006. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/25/20230
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Episode 51 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND - PÉTUR MAGNÚSSON

We start the week on The RÚV English Podcast service with a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Today, Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Pétur Magnússon. The news continues to be dominated by investigations into the killing of a Polish man in Hafnarfjörður. Darren and Pétur discuss that, as well as the vitamin and melatonin gummies that have poisoned some children, the fright that so many Mastercard customers had in Iceland when they thought they were being overcharged by vast sums for their purchases, and the naming and opening of Edda - the Icelandic House at the University, now a reality after more than fifteen years of planning. The episode plays out with a new solo single by Hatari's Klemens Hannigan - Never Loved Someone So Much - which was released last week. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/24/20230
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Episode 50: THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: CLASSICAL

The fiftieth episode from The RÚV English Podcast service is part of our series on Icelandic music, in its many genres. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. In future weeks we will explore pop, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - an Iceland-in-Eurovision special coming too!) Today we examine classical music in Iceland. Music played on today's show: "Heyr, himna smiður", text by Kolbeinn Tumason (written 1208), music composed by Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson in 1970s. Performed by The Royal Danish Academy of Music Voices "Hekla, Op. 52", Leifs, Jón (1899-1868). Performed by Iceland Symphony Orchestra; conductor En Shao "Veröld fláa sýnir sig", performed by Hamrahlíðarkórinn "Fjalladrottning móðir mín", performed by Karlakórinn vísir "Öldurót", by Ólafur Arnalds, featuring Atli Örvarsson, SinfoniaNord "Sensus Terrae (Voice of Katla)", Högni Egilsson: composer, lyricist, synthesiser, GDRN (Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð Jóhannesdóttir): solo voice, Cantoque Ensemble: choir Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/21/20230
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Episode 49 - THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

Darren got a surprise today. He knew it was the first day of summer - but not that he had the day off. The first day of summer is marked as a public holiday in Iceland, even if this morning's overcast conditions didn't exactly make the place feel summery at first. Darren's colleague Alexander Kristjánsson joined him to talk about the day off! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/20/20230
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Episode 48 - DRIVING MUM with ODDNÝ SEN

New Icelandic film Driving Mum (Á Ferð með Mömmu) is a critical and commercial hit. Film scholar Oddný Sen joins Darren to take a look. The death of Jon's mother forces him to take on a journey with her corpse in the backseat to fulfill her last wish. Brezhnev - a dog - comes along, and this trip will be the gamechanger Jon never dreamt of. Shot in black and white and set in 1980, the film captures an Iceland rather less exciting, eventful or even glamorous than we've become used to in recent years - but no less starkly beautiful. Film scholar Oddný Sen is back on The RÚV English Podcast to talk about the film, which has seen its run at Reykjavík's iconic Bíó Paradís cinema extended - https://bioparadis.is/kvikmyndir/a-ferd-med-mommu-driving-mum/ But don't miss it! Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/19/20230
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Episode 47 - THE ART OF EMILIA TELESE

Emilia Telese, born in Italy and living and working in Reykjavík, is an award-winning artist, writer and academic. Today, she is Darren's guest on The RÚV English Podcast. Her most recent exhibition in Iceland was FERNA - a new series of etchings which was shown for the first time at Ìslensk Grafìk - The Association of Icelandic Printmakers in Hafnarhúsið, Reykjavík. Combining her Florentine training on Renaissance techniques with her practice as a conceptual artist over the past 25 years, Emilia has created a series of works on multi-layer beverage cartons, including milk cartons which, if not recycled, would have gone to landfill. Emilia told Darren about her work with used milk cartons, but also about her lengthy career as an artist, here in Iceland and elsewhere. She also - with immense patience - guided Darren through some printworking of his own! You can find out more about Emilia's art, and past and future exhibitions, by going here - https://art.emiliatelese.com/ Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/18/20230
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Episode 46 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND - Kolbeinn Dalrymple

Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren's guest is journalist Kolbeinn Dalrymple, making a return visit to the show. They discuss the arrest in Brazil of Sverrir Þór "Sveddi Tönn" Gunnarsson, developments in the scrapie outbreak, the fall in worldwide petrol prices which don't seem to be reaching Iceland, the hopes for cheap post-Páska chocolate - and the hairy Huskies earning their keep in the North! Today's episode plays out with Kæri heimur by FLOTT. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/17/20230
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Episode 45 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: FOLK AND RÍMUR

Our new Icelandic music history show continues on The RÚV English Podcast service today. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou joins Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. In future weeks we will explore choral, pop, classical, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - Eurovision too!) Today we examine folk music - and the very particular form of music called rímur - in Iceland. Tracks played on today's show: Uppi í háa hamrinum býr huldukona by unknown performer Stóðum Tvö Túni, played by Ryan Koons Steindór Andersen & Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson - Móðurjörd, Mansöngur úr Núma rímum Lækurinn by Spilmenn Ríkínís Ó mín flaskan friða by Ylja Alla hrinda hörðum by Ríma Find Ríma on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/1j5YvVtDt6OHbJooKVqZm9?si=BP8GTlXARq6HmU8aQmv-Jw Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/14/20230
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Episode 44 - AUÐSKILIÐ - Niceair cancel flights - in simple Icelandic

Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, an episode of Auðskilið - the news in easy-to-understand Icelandic. Atli joins Darren to read the original story about airline Niceair having to cancel flights from Akureyri. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-05-nice-air-aflysir-ollu-flugi - as ever, we start just after the photo. And find more news in simple Icelandic at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/13/20230
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Episode 43 - FOOTBALL AND ART, FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO AKRANES

Jaclyn Poucel Árnason is an American artist, mother, and former footballer, living in Akranes with her husband and daughter. Jaclyn is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the United States, but has made her husband's hometown of Akranes her home too. Darren travelled to her exhibition in Akranes to see her work and hear her story - and to learn of her plans to bring a new permanent gallery to the town. Learn more about Jaclyn and sample her work at https://www.jaclynarnasonart.com/ Say hello to RÚV English any time at [email protected] or find us on Twitter at @RUVEnglish
4/12/20230
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Episode 42 - AUÐSKILIÐ - THE END OF FRÉTTABLAÐIÐ, in simple Icelandic

Today, on a bonus episode of Auðskilið, Atli joins Darren to go through the sudden demise of daily newspaper Fréttablaðið, in simple, easy-to-understand Icelandic. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-03-frettabladid-haettir-utgafu - we start just after the image. Check out the news in simple Icelandic any time - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/11/20230
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Episode 41 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND - JOSIE GAITENS

Darren's guest today is Josie Gaitens, formerly of The Reykjavík Grapevine. They discuss some of what's been happening on the island in recent days: Jodie Foster's delight with her time spent here, Icelandair's difficulties over its flight attendent rating app, the return of Þór the walrus to Iceland and a black goose found in the capital, and new hopes that bad weather in the future won't cause quite as much travel chaos as it has this year. The show plays out with Sama og þegið by Ívar Bjarklind. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/10/20230
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Episode 40 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: JAZZ

Our new Icelandic music history show continues on The RÚV English Podcast service today. Music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou will join Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. In future weeks we will explore choral, pop, classical, folk and rímur, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - Eurovision too!) Today we examine jazz in Iceland. Tracks played on the show today: Dansað í lauginni by Tómas R. Einarsson Bacalau by ADHD Kysstu Mig Að Morgni by Stína Ágústsdóttir Vesala by Iceland's Liberation Orchestra Fragile by Laufey Garden Party by Mezzoforte (clip) Gefðu að móðurmálið mitt by Sigurður Flosason Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/7/20230
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Episode 39 - AUÐSKILIÐ - GLEÐILEGA PÁSKA! - in simple Icelandic

Today, on the first of many people's Easter days off, Atli joins Darren to go through the Easter story and customs, in simple, easy-to-understand Icelandic. Follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-04-04-nu-er-dymbil-vika - and we start just after the chick and eggs! Check out the news in simple Icelandic any time - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid - and listen for a bonus edition of Auðskilið next Tuesday. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/6/20230
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Episode 38 - NEW ICELANDER: PÁLINA - LA VIKINGA MEXICANA

Pálina moved from Mexico City to Iceland, and now shares her knowledge of her new country, and help for new arrivals, with Spanish speakers everywhere, on her YouTube channel and blogs. Today on The RÚV English Podcast, she shares her story with Darren. Find all of Pálina's content at https://linktr.ee/lavikingamexicana Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/5/20230
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Episode 37 - FROM THE AWARD CEREMONY TO THE VINYL RACKS?

The pop, rock, hip hop and electronic Album Of The Year at this year's Icelandic Music Awards is Ungfrú Ísland by Kvikindi - but if you want to buy a copy on vinyl and truly immerse yourself in its spikily eclectic yet melodic luxuries, you're out of luck. At least, so far. Kvikindi, the duo of Brynhildur Karlsdóttir and Friðrik Margrétar-Guðmundsson, have launched a crowdfunder with Karolina Fund. They want to expand their prize-winning album's horizons beyond the world of streaming, and release it on vinyl. You can pledge for a copy of the record, a t-shirt, a signed lyric book or even a private concert by the band. (If the target isn't hit, you don't pay a krona.) Brynhildur joins Darren to talk about the album, the success of the band so far, the appeal of vinyl and how that physical record might come into being with the help of supporters. Find out more about the Karolina Fund crowdfunder here - https://www.karolinafund.com/project/view/5916 Kvikindi will play Westfjords festival Aldrei fór ég suður this weekend, and Iceland Airwaves in the capital later this year. They will also appear on Studio RÚV in the next couple of weeks. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/4/20230
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Episode 36 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: BUDGETS, EVACUATIONS, MOTIONS, MEDIA

Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren's guest is Valur Grettisson, former editor of Grapevine magazine (sadly appearing today without superstar dog Pollý). They discuss a week of avalanches, with mercifully no injuries and a slow, hopeful return to normal in the Eastfjords, the unsurprising failure of a no-confidence motion in the Justice Minister, the Government's budget and plans to fight inflation, and the sudden demise of newspaper Fréttablaðið. Today's show plays out with Dots, by Akureyri-based Anton Bark. Email RÚV English any time - [email protected], or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ruvenglish or Twitter @RUVEnglish
4/3/20230
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Episode 35 - THE HISTORY OF ICELANDIC MUSIC: ELECTRONIC

A brand new show comes to The RÚV English Podcast service today. Every Friday, music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou will join Darren to take a look and a listen to the history of Icelandic music, through a different genre each week. We will explore choral, pop, classical, folk and rímur, the "golden oldies" of the 50s and 60s, Icelandic indie, and much more. (And yes - a special Eurovision edition is on the way too!) Today we examine electronic music in Iceland. Tracks played on the show today: Elektrónísk Stúdía: Sínutónar Og Hljóðfæri by Magnús Blöndal Jóhannsson (clip) Higher by GusGus ft. VÖK Ionia by Ben Frost This 5321 by Bjarki Feels So Real To Be Human by TRPTYCH Look by AAIIEENN Say hi to RÚV English - [email protected] - or on Twitter @RUVEnglish
3/31/20230
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Episode 34 - LEARNING ABOUT FILM WITH ODDNÝ SEN

Today, Darren's guest on The RÚV English Podcast is film historian, writer and teacher Oddný Sen, who along with her work at the Icelandic Film School, is the project manager of film education in primary and secondary schools at Reykjavík's iconic cinema Bíó Paradís. She studied film studies, film history and filmmaking at the University of Paris and graduated with a master's degree and a PhD. She talks to Darren about teaching the secrets of cinema, and some of the best and biggest Icelandic films of recent years. Say hi to RÚV English at [email protected] or on Twitter @RUVEnglish
3/30/20230
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Episode 33 - HEIMSKVIÐUR - PROGRAMMING FROM RÚV'S FOREIGN DESK

Every week, the foreign news desk here at RÚV produces a radio program, and a podcast, about foreign affairs and world events. The programme is called HEIMSKVIÐUR, and is broadcast on Rás 1 on Saturday afternoons. Here on the RÚV English Podcast service we strive to bring not just Iceland but RÚV to the world in English, and many of the interviews that are recorded for HEIMSKVIÐUR happen in English. Occasionally here on the Podcast, you'll have the chance to hear some of those interviews, in full, in English. Recently, Björn Malmquist, one of the presenters on that show, former The Week In Iceland guest, and RÚV's Brussels-based correspondent, spoke to Rachel King, Curator of the European Renaissance and the Waddesdon Bequest at the British Museum in London. In 2019, a heart shaped pendant was found in Warwickshire by metal detectorist Charlie Clarke. What he had discovered was a huge and spectacular early Tudor pendant and chain, made in gold and enamel and bearing the initials and symbols of Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Rachel told Björn about the pendant, and its incredible discovery. Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected] and on Twitter @RUVEnglish
3/29/20230
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Episode 32 - AUÐSKILIÐ - "easy to understand" - the avalanches

Today, Atli returns to the RÚV English Podcast service to join Darren for a new episode of Auðskilið. It's a chance to hear a current news story, written and read by Atli in simple, "easy to understand" Icelandic. Today, the avalanches* which fell in East Iceland yesterday. Follow the story as Atli reads it (find it here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-03-27-snjoflod-i-neskaupstad) and listen as each line is translated to English. We start just below the photo on that page. Find lots more news written in simple Icelandic at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid Get in touch with RÚV English - [email protected] - and find us on Twitter @RUVEnglish * snjóflóð - which to an English speaking or reading eye looks a bit like "snow flood"
3/28/20230
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Episode 31 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: INGÓLFUR BJARNI SIGFÚSSON

Today Darren is joined by Ingólfur Bjarni Sigfússon from RÚV's award-winning investigative current affairs show Kveikur. They discuss Monday's avalanches in East Iceland, the tragic death of a tourist at Glymur waterfall, proposals to charge motorists per-kilometre as they drive, and one union's concerns about ever-rising housing costs in Iceland. The episode plays out with Icelandic electronic legends GusGus, and their new track Into The Strange. Say hello to RÚV English - [email protected] - or find us on Twitter @RUVEnglish
3/27/20230
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Episode 30 - EU AMBASSADOR TO ICELAND, LUCIE SAMCOVÁ-HALL ALLEN

Today on The RÚV English Podcast service, Darren's guest is the EU Ambassador to Iceland, Lucie Samcová-Hall Allen. Lucie tells Darren about her move to Iceland, what drew and led her to spend time living and working here, and discusses Iceland's close relationship with the EU as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). Get in touch with RÚV English any time - [email protected]
3/24/20230
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Episode 29 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: PARKING, MOBILES, DOGS & HAPPINESS

Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Birta Björnsdóttir to discuss new parking charges at Jökulsárlón, the dangers of mobile phone blackspots in North East Iceland, the surprisingly high number of unregistered dogs in Reykjavík, and - despite all that, perhaps - Iceland being the third happiest nation on the planet. Today's show plays out with Lilies by Snæfríður ft. BNGRBOY & takkjesú Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
3/23/20230
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Episode 28 - REYKJAVÍK'S STOCKFISH FILM FESTIVAL AT BÍÓ PARADÍS

March 23rd sees the launch of this year's Stockfish Film Festival at Reykjavík's iconic Bíó Paradís cinema. It is the film industry's festival in Iceland. It was founded in 2015, as a reincarnation of the Reykjavík Film Festival (Kvikmyndahátíð í Reykjavík), which was established in 1978. The festival aims to create a platform in Reykjavík to encourage collaboration between domestic and international film communities, and gives an opportunity to see some of the most up-and-coming art-house films in the world. Also, with the support from the Icelandic Film Centre, a "Work in Progress" presentation will showcase works from the latest Icelandic film and TV productions. Darren is joined by Artistic director HRÖNN KRISTINSDÓTTIR and Managing director CAROLINA SALAS for a look at all the festival will offer! Find out more and see the line-up at https://stockfishfestival.is and find updates on the festival Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stockfishfilmfestival Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
3/22/20230
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Episode 27 - NEW ICELANDERS: HELEN BILLINGTON AND JUNE SCHOLTZ

Today on The RÚV English Podcast service, Darren talks to Helen Billington and June Scholtz. They've been friends for over thirty years, which is also how long they've lived in Iceland. June came to Iceland from South Africa in the mid-eighties and Helen moved from Yorkshire a year later. The good friends live with their respective families in Hellissandur on Snæfellsnes in West Iceland. After a chance meeting with Helen at the Ólafsvík swimming pool where she works, Darren caught up with her again, and June, to hear their stories of having been "New" Icelanders for almost seventy years between them! Say hello any time to RÚV English - [email protected]
3/20/20230
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Episode 26 - AUÐSKILIÐ - Þór the walrus, easy to understand!

Where else could you so easily learn the Icelandic word for "walrus"?* Today on the RÚV English Podcast service, Atli and Darren look at the story of the walrus we now know as Þór, from the moment of his arrival in Breiðdalsvík a couple of weeks ago. As ever, the story is read and re-read slowly, as it is written - follow along here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-02-24-rostungur-a-breiddalsvik. We start just below the photo! Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected] (* it's "rostungur"...)
3/16/20230
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Episode 25 - NEW ICELANDER: ALEX TYAS, FROM YORKSHIRE TO ÍSAFJÖRÐUR

The thirst for knowledge took Alex Tyas from the UK to the Iceland, when eight years ago she signed up to study in the country's Westfjords. Happily, and despite a pretty disorientating flight to Ísafjörður's airport - with its interesting approach - it was love at first sight. Today on the RÚV English Podcast, she tells Darren about her life in the Westfjords, as a New Icelander, and the many happy times she's had enjoying the area's iconic music festival Aldrei fór ég suður. Get in touch with RÚV English - [email protected]
3/13/20230
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Episode 24 - CRICKET IN ICELAND - MORE POPULAR EVERY DAY

The Icelandic Cricket Association has nearly twice as many Twitter followers (@icelandcricket) as the Icelandic Prime Minister, so they must be doing something right. Starting virtually from scratch, they have grown the sport in Iceland to the point where five clubs now compete and Iceland is closing in on membership of the ICC, cricket's governing body. How did the sport develop in a country known for its love of other ball games - principally those involving hands and feet? Icelandic Cricket Association chair Bala Kamallakharan joins Darren to explain. Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
3/10/20230
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Episode 23 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: SONG, DEER, MASTS, STRIKES, ROADS

Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by his RÚV Polski service colleague Margrét Adamsdóttir, to look back on a week of suspended strikes, dangerous potholes, the felling of a radio giant. rescued deer and a departing walrus. Thrillingly, as the conversation was recorded on Friday, the Söngvakeppnin result remained unknown! Say hi to RÚV English - we are [email protected]
3/6/20230
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Episode 22 - NEW ICELANDER: MEITING NEVÆH QIN

Today from The RÚV English Podcast service, a conversation with Meiting Nevæh Qin, Research & Development Project Manager at the Arctic Green Energy Corporation. Meiting moved to Iceland from China three years ago, and on today's show she tells Darren about her work bringing Iceland's geothermal knowledge to her home country: some two million Chinese homes are now heated using geothermal energy. She also shares her love of Icelandic music and what she loves about her new home. If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a New Icelander, or if you just want to get in touch with RÚV English for any reason, email [email protected]
3/3/20230
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Episode 21 - SÖNGVAKEPPNIN FINAL with host UNNSTEINN MANUEL STEFÁNSSON

So who will it be? Who gets to take their song to the Eurovision Song Contest and hopefully score Iceland's first ever win? The job of revealing the answer falls to Söngvakeppnin co-host Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson, and his colleagues Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir and previous podcast guest Siggi Gunnars. Today Unnsteinn joins Darren to talk about his own route to hosting the show, final preparations for Saturday's huge final, and putting the performers at ease before their big moment. Unnsteinn also explains how - if you're in Iceland - you can help select the song that will represent the country in May. Find the five Söngvakeppnin finalists right here - https://www.ruv.is/songvakeppnin And watch the show wherever you are! 7.45pm this Saturday. Of course it's on RÚV in Iceland, or anywhere else at https://www.ruv.is/sjonvarp/dagskra/ruv/2023-03-04/5291552 Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
3/2/20230
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Episode 20 - NEW ICELANDER: SHILPA KHATRI BABBAR

The RÚV English Podcast service reaches its twentieth episode today, in the company of Shilpa Khatri Babbar. Shilpa is the ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland), and last year at home in Delhi, got an offer to come to Iceland to live and work. The chance came out of the blue, and she took it! Shilpa tells Darren Adam about her impressions of Iceland, and how she's been struck by similarities between Iceland and her home country of India. Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
3/1/20230
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Episode 19 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: ANDIE SOPHIA FONTAINE

Today sees a new episode of The Week In Iceland from The RÚV English Podcast service. Darren's guest today is journalist Andie Sophia Fontaine. Andie is a familiar and much-loved face to those with an interest in Iceland, and has been reporting in and on the country for two decades. Under the spotlight today: the ongoing Efling/SA dispute and imminent "work ban", or lockout, the fire at the Arctic Fish buildings in Tálknafjörður, high prices and taxes on food and fuel in Iceland, the announcement of the first acts for this year's Iceland Airwaves, and - staying with music - the second Söngvakeppnin semi-final. All five remaining finalists can be heard here - https://www.ruv.is/songvakeppnin - and today's episode plays out with the three songs revealed on Saturday to have progressed to the final. Sat hi to RÚV English anytime - [email protected]
2/27/20230
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EPISODE 18 - AUÐSKILIÐ: "easy to understand" Icelandic: "little auks"?

Today from the RÚV English Podcast service, another episode of Auðskilið - the news read in simple and slow Icelandic, as written by Atli Sigþórsson for the RÚV website. In today's edition, the fate of the "little auks" - small seabirds that got blown far off course and inland by the recent strong winds - and the difficulties of translating phrases such as the name of the birds' actual species. Read along with every word here - https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-02-08-sjofuglar-langt-inni-i-landi We start just after the photo on that page. Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
2/24/20230
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Episode 17 - REYKJAVÍK'S DOMESTIC AIRPORT

Reykjavík city centre has played host to an airport for over 100 years, predating the international facility at Keflavík by a couple of decades. Its past and beginnings are fascinating, its present and future sometimes controversial. Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren is joined by aviation journalist Andrei Menshenin, who details the history of Reykjavík's city centre airport, and offers his own personal views as to its possible future. Say hello to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
2/23/20230
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Episode 16 - WHAT'S THE EFLING AND SA DISPUTE ABOUT? AND WHO ARE THEY?

Today on the RÚV English Podcast service, an attempt to go back to first principles and explain a story which seems more complex every day. The wage dispute between union Efling and business body SA is never far from the headlines, with court battles seemingly always raging over the legality of various actions and plans. But how did this start? What exactly is SA - who does it represent? And what of Efling, the union at the heart of the dispute? With no question too daft to ask, Darren is joined by his RÚV colleague Pétur Magnússon to go right back to the start and explain what's going on. Our conversation was recorded just after 4pm on Wednesday 22 February, so here's the situation as it was right at that moment. Catch up before it all changes again. Say hi to RÚV English at [email protected]
2/22/20230
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Episode 15 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND - KOLBEINN DALRYMPLE

Today on the RÚV English Podcast, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by journalist Kolbeinn Dalrymple, making a return guest appearance on The Week In Iceland. We (try to) keep up with the dizzying pace of events in the Efling/SA dispute, look at some of the projects in rural parts of Iceland receiving grants from the government, revisit the controversy over the English language appearing before Icelandic on signs, and yes, review the first Söngvakeppnin semi-final. The show plays out with two songs today - both were selected on Saturday to advance to the Söngvakeppnin final. Hear Lifandi inni í mér by Diljá, and Stundum snýst heimurinn gegn þér by BRAGI. Say hi to RÚV English any time - [email protected]
2/21/20230
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Episode 14 - LOOKING BACK AT ÞORRI: ICELAND'S FOURTH WINTER MONTH

Mid-February marks the end of the month of Þorri, the fourth winter month in the old Icelandic calendar. In (relatively) modern times, "Þorrablót" parties and celebrations of the month were introduced in the 19th century and have been popular ever since, accompanied by lots of traditional foods called Þorramatur. Liver sausage, fermented shark, sour ram's testicles and boiled sheep head are just some of the delicacies enjoyed during Þorri - although not exclusively at this time. But how did we get here? How did such unusual foods become part of the Icelandic diet, and why are they still so popular today that you can pick them up in any halfway decently sized Icelandic supermarket? Iceland's cheese queen and all round culinary goddess Eirný Sigurðardóttir joins Darren as the fourth winter month draws to a close, and explains that actually, Þorramatur isn't necessarily just for Þorri. Get in touch with RÚV English any time - [email protected]
2/17/20230
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Episode 13 - AUÐSKILIÐ - EASY TO UNDERSTAND ICELANDIC: THE FLOODS

Today from the RÚV English Podcast service, another episode of the always popular Auðskilið. Atli, writer of the "easy to understand" section of ruv.is, takes a look at the recent floods and the damage they've caused to many of Iceland's roads - in simple, easy to understand Icelandic. Read along with this story with Atli and Darren at https://www.ruv.is/audskilid/2023-02-14-flod-a-vesturhluta-landsins-i-gaer And say hi any time to RÚV English - email [email protected]
2/16/20230
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Episode 12 - NEW ICELANDER: ANTHONY BACIGALUPO & THE SHED

Anthony Bacigalupo fell in love with Iceland while visiting from his native California towards the end of the century's first decade. Then he fell in love with, and married, Ýr, from Hafnarfjörður. They've been there ever since. Anthony and Ýr curate The Shed, a welcoming space in the garden of their Hafnarfjörður home, and where every year, they light Iceland's biggest Christmas tree. Darren joined Anthony (and super friendly dog Lúka) in The Shed to hear about his journey from California to Iceland, his life with Ýr and his family since, and what he thinks it takes to move and live here, and become a New Icelander. Despite it being February, and to Darren's delight, everything still looked and felt very festive. If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a New Icelander, or if you just want to get in touch with RÚV English for any reason, email [email protected]
2/15/20230
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Episode 11 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: MONEY, SEX, AIRPORTS, HEMP (& MUSIC)

Today on the RÚV English Podcast service, a new episode of The Week In Iceland. Darren is joined by music journalist Lydia Athanasopoulou from her home in Siglufjörður to look back over a week which saw interest rates rise to battle stubborn inflation, the use of some very creative baking techniques to launch sex education week in schools, delays announced to the expansion of Akureyri Airport, and the recall of a certain cooking aid from Icelandic shelves. Lydia also talks about a new strand coming soon to the RÚV English Podcast service, which will trace the histories of various musical genres on this incredibly creative island. Today's show plays out with "Don't Be Sad" by Seabear. Say hello! Get in touch with RÚV English any time - [email protected]
2/13/20230
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Episode 10 - DISPLACEMENT AT THE NORDIC HOUSE

Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren looks ahead to an event at the Nordic House on February 23, where four short films on the theme of displacement, home and belonging will be shown as part of "L I M I N A L I T Y" - a seminar and a showcase of the collaborative cross border creative project Moving Classics Sonic Flux. Along with partners in Iceland, UK, Cyprus and Norway it has worked over the last three years on six artistic projects, with several artists from different countries. Ágústa Þórarinsdóttir heads the project and joins Darren from her home in Manchester, UK, to preview the event and discuss the films. The event is in English and after the screenings, which include Q&As with the filmmakers, guests are encouraged to stay, mingle and enjoy! The films you can see are: Steinrunninn (Petrified) by Chris Paul Daniels (UK) and Anton Kaldal (IS) A Green Line by Maria Anastassiou (CY) and Brice Catherin (FR) No Place Like Home by Jez Dolan (UK) and Michael Betteridge (UK) Liminality by Pálínu Jónsdóttir (IS), Ewa Marcinek (PL), Halldór Smárason (IS) and Martyna Daniel (PL) See the films at 5pm on February 23 at the Nordic House in Reykjavík. More details are available at https://nordichouse.is/en/event/l-i-m-i-n-a-l-i-t-y-a-seminar-and-a-screening/
2/10/20230
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Episode 9 - AUÐSKILIÐ: ICELANDERS NEAR AND FAR & THE CATS OF AKUREYRI

Here at the RÚV English Podcast we know how difficult it can be to learn Icelandic. Hearing it often, slowly and simply can be a great help. RÚV's Atli Sigþórsson looks after the Auðskilið ("easy to understand") pages of the RÚV website, writing the news in a simplified form of Icelandic for anyone who might find that useful. We will regularly go through some of those pages with Atli and see what we can pick up. Today, a look at the 49,000 Icelandic citizens who don't live here, and the recent good news for northern felines! You can read the news in simplified Icelandic any time at ruv.is/audskilid
2/9/20230
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Episode 8 - FOREIGN NEWS IN ENGLISH FROM THE "HEIMSKVIÐUR" TEAM

Every week, the foreign news desk here at RÚV produces a radio program, and a podcast, about foreign affairs and world events. The programme is called Heimskviður, and is broadcast on Rás 1 on Saturday afternoons. Many of the interviews that are recorded happen in English, and here on the RÚV English Podcast, we'll occasionally play some of those interviews, in full, in English. Last weekend - and before the tragic earthquake which has caused such devastation in Turkey and Syria - Björn Malmquist, Foreign Correspondent at RÚV and my The Week In Iceland guest this week (see episode 7), looked at politics in Turkey, focusing on the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in May, with an interview with Asli Aydintasbas - she is a well known analyst at the Brookings Institute in Washington, she's a former television journalist with CNN Turkey and writes opinion columns for the Washington Post. Asli told Bjorn about what's happening in Turkey, about President Erdogan and his party, the AKP, and their standing in the polls now, three and a half months before the election. Get in touch with RÚV English any time - just email [email protected]
2/8/20230
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Episode 7 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND: WEATHER, STRIKES, PLANES AND PHONES

The Week In Iceland continues as part of the new RÚV English Podcast service, and Darren's guest today is RÚV Foreign Correspondent Björn Malmquist. Darren and Björn take a look at the storm passing over Iceland as they spoke, the state of play in the long running and ever more complicated Efling-SA dispute, plans to sell the Icelandic Coast Guard's plane TF-SIF, and the difficulty of making a simple mobile phone call in parts of the country. They also look ahead to occasional new programmes coming soon to the RÚV English Podcast, featuring the best of the English-language interviews recorded by the foreign news team. Today's show plays out with "Þú ert aldrei einn" by Marta Kristín Friðriksdóttir. Get in touch with RÚV English any time - [email protected]
2/7/20230
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Episode 6 - AN AWARD FOR AIRWAVES

Iceland Airwaves, the annual festival of live music from here and elsewhere, picked up the Best Indoor Festival award at the recent European Festival Awards in Groningen in the Netherlands. It marks a great start to a year in which the festival should be truly back and better than ever after Covid so utterly - but hopefully only temporarily - changed the landscape for live music. Iceland Airwaves crams the capital's venues full of live music for three days each November. Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren catches up with Festival Director Ísleifur Þórhallsson, to find out more about this essential fixture in Iceland's musical calendar, as it approaches its quarter-century. The episode plays out with "Headlights", from Vök's self-titled 2022 album. The band are no stranger to the Airwaves stages.
2/3/20230
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Episode 5 - AUÐSKILIÐ (EASY TO UNDERSTAND!)

Here at the RÚV English Podcast we know how difficult it can be to learn Icelandic. Hearing it often, slowly and simply can be a great help. RÚV's Atli Sigþórsson looks after the Auðskilið ("easy to understand") pages of the RÚV website, writing the news in a simplified form of Icelandic for anyone who might find that useful. We will regularly go through some of those pages with Atli and see what we can pick up. Today, a look back at the simplified form of RÚV's recent coverage of the Heimaey eruptions from fifty years ago. You can read the news in simplified Icelandic any time at ruv.is/audskilid
2/2/20230
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Episode 4 - SIGGI, SÖNGVAKEPPNIN, AND THE ROAD TO EUROVISION

Last Saturday, the ten songs which will compete for the right to represent Iceland in this year's Eurovision Song Contest were unveiled on Lögin í Söngvakeppnin, here on RÚV. Within a few weeks, and with your help, the winning song will be selected. Siggi Gunnarsson, head of music and host on Rás 2, is also now one of the presenters of the Söngvakeppnin shows, and as a lifelong Eurovision fan who has literally dreamt of doing this job, he is officially Iceland's most excited person, He joins Darren to talk about his love of the show, preview those ten big songs, and tell him how you can get involved by voting and even coming to the shows. Hear all the songs in full at ruv.is/songvakeppnin
2/1/20230
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Episode 3 - NEW ICELANDER

Today on the RÚV English Podcast, Darren speaks to poet Jakub Stachowiak, who moved to Iceland from his native Poland in 2016. He works, thinks and writes in Icelandic, having utterly mastered the language which he tells Darren has "liberated" him in so many ways. His books of Icelandic poetry are "Næturborgir" and "úti bíður skáldleg veröld". Jakub is the first "new Icelander" to guest on the RÚV English Podcast. If you, or someone you know, has a story to share about moving to Iceland and making the country home, get in touch at [email protected]
1/30/20230
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Episode 2 - THE WEEK IN ICELAND

The RÚV English Podcast also sees the return of The Week In Iceland, which will feature as one of the strands of the new service. Each week we will take a look at some of the most significant news from, and in, the country. These shows will usually appear on Mondays, but we couldn't wait to get today's guest on! Darren is joined by former TWII host and RÚV Englishee Alex Elliott for his take on the week's news, and to have the RÚV English baton officially handed over! Today we look at the shortest meeting in the history of Iceland's state mediator (and the likely consequences of the ongoing stalemate between Efling and SA), last weekend's gale force winds and the many hours stuck on the Keflavík tarmac, the Icelandic PM in Berlin and German chancellor coming here, and we preview the first big Eurovision weekend, as the ten songs battling to represent Iceland are unveiled on Saturday. We play out today with You Complete Me, from Faroese-but-Reykjavík-based Sakaris' new EP Domestik Disko 106.
1/26/20230
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Episode 1 - NOISES FROM ICELAND

In the first episode from the brand new RÚV English podcast service, Darren Adam travels to Geysir to meet sound artist Kaśka Paluch, creator of the Noise From Iceland online sound map. The site allows you to virtually travel around Iceland, listening to the sounds of the country. Darren joins Kaśka as she records new sounds at Geysir, and explains the inspiration behind the site, as well as describing some of the difficulties of capturing the nation in sound and choosing her favourite "noises from Iceland". Kaśka's sound map is at noisefromiceland.com Get in touch with RÚV English at [email protected]
1/24/20230