Exploring the Viking Age

Håkan Altrock has built Viking ships, sailed them along the ancient Viking routes to the Caspian Sea, pulled them across land by hand—and been threatened and shot at in Russia.In this episode, he shares stories from decades of travel on open water in handcrafted ships: sailing the eastern river-routes, navigating storms, improvising repairs, and facing real-world threats far from home. This is a conversation about wood, wind, border crossings—and why the line between history and the present is sometimes thinner than we think.

Today’s guest is Jim Hansson — marine archaeologist, diver, and co-author of The Ships of Birka. In this episode, we dive deep (literally) into the world beneath the waves: underwater Viking harbors, preserved tools and textiles, how he found a fragment of what is likely a piece of a sail, and the magic of uncovering everyday life from over a thousand years ago. Jim shares wild stories from decades of diving, from finding Kalashnikovs and Santa masks to recovering 16th-century warships in the Baltic Sea.

Todays Guest is Rowdy Geirsson - American humorist, author, history nerd and Viking enthusiast currently living in Sweden. He’s the author of the Impudent Edda and Scandinavian Aggressors. We dive into why Norse myths still hit hard today, and what it means to bring ancient gods into modern-day Boston. From Thor losing his temper renewing his drivers license to poop feuds in Icelandic sagas.

This episode features Daniel Serra, an expert in historical food and experimental archaeology, who specializes in Viking Age cuisine and co-authored a Viking cookbook. He dives deep into Vikings' surprising diets, exploring unique dishes like fermented fish porridge and ritual feasts. Daniel discusses the challenges of recreating ancient meals, the significance of regional variations, and social class in Viking food. He also highlights their cooking methods and preservation techniques, showcasing how culinary practices are intertwined with Viking culture and storytelling.

Today's guest is Martin Erikson - one of the biggest Viking enthusiasts around. He is a Viking themed restaurant owner, author, ship owner, musician and adventurer. For us Swedes, he's a national treasure bordering on a legend.Subscribe to stay updated! Also available on all platforms where podcasts are found, such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and more. Find all the links in our linktree: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/grimfrost⁠

Today’s guest is Peter Olausson. Shipbuilder, historian and expert on cultural heritage. Subscribe to stay updated! Also available on all platforms where podcasts are found, such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and more. Find all the links in our linktree: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/grimfrost⁠

Today’s guest is Anders Kaliff. Author and professor of archaeology at Uppsala university in Sweden. Subscribe to stay updated! Also available on all platforms where podcasts are found, such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and more. Find all the links in our linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/grimfrost⁠

Today's guest is Neil Price, acclaimed author and distinguished professor of archaeology at Uppsala University in Sweden. Subscribe to stay updated! Also available on all platforms where podcasts are found, such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and more. Find all the links in our linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/grimfrost⁠

Nils Edström, the talented musician and songwriter behind Hindarfjäll, shares his journey through Gothenburg's music scene. He candidly discusses the challenges of mastering traditional instruments and the influence of Norse folklore on his songwriting. Nils reflects on the creation of their latest album, weaving modern interpretations with historical themes. The conversation adds humor to Viking rituals and life, blending creative aspirations with a rich cultural heritage. Listeners will be entertained by his lively anecdotes and passion for Nordic traditions.

This time our guest is Ben Raffield– archaeologist, associate professor at Uppsala University and expert on Viking Age warfare and warriors. Hear the guys discuss warriorhood, conflicts, slavery and more.