Nordic on Tap - the podcast

Artist Jana Peterson joins Eric Stavney to explore how art can connect people to a homeland they may know through family stories, memories, and imagination. Drawing on more than four decades of painting, Jana shares how her Norwegian heritage, training in dance and interior design, and love of vivid color, shape her work and elicit viewer emotion.

Additionally, we hear an accordion rendition of the exciting Trommelvalsen dance piece.

Links, Extras, and a Transcript on this accessory page.

Timestamps

What if the trolls, hidden folk, and forest spirits of Nordic folklore respond to how humans treat them? In this episode we explore eerie and surprising tales where courtesy, greed, boundary-breaking, and respect can mean the difference between help and havoc.

From a wandering child phantom and a mysterious troll wedding to a dangerous encounter with the skogsrå, these stories reveal supernatural beings who are neither simply good nor evil. They may bless, deceive, punish, or protect—depending on human behavior.

Host Eric Stavney connects these legends to the Golden Rule, showing how Nordic folklore encourages respect for nature, honest labor, and unseen boundaries. If you enjoy folklore, Scandinavian mythology, and stories where supernatural beings reflect human behavior, this episode offers wonder, mystery, and just enough menace to make you think twice before entering the woods.

For the podcast transcript, see our Extras page for Trolls, Trouble, and the Golden Rule.

Timepoints

Think Scandinavians don't have a sense of humor? Think again. In this episode of Nordic on Tap, Eric Stavney uncovers the hilarious side of Nordic folklore through stories packed with lovable fools, clever tricksters, boastful husbands, and animals that outsmart everyone around them. Journey from Denmark's famous Molbo tales to Norway, Finland, and Sápmi, where centuries-old stories reveal that people have always made the same wonderfully ridiculous mistakes. Along the way you'll discover why these tales have endured for generations—and why you may recognize a little of yourself in every character. If you enjoy folklore, history, and a good laugh, this episode is for you.

Transcript on our Extras page: https://nordicontap.com/p/extras-for-humorous-folktales/

Show Notes

Exploring Nordic Humor: Folktales, Silliness, and Human NatureDiscover how Nordic folktales and humor reflect deep cultural values and human nature. Join Eric Stavney as he shares amusing stories and insights into Scandinavian humor, revealing that silliness and logic coexist in timeless tales that mirror our own behaviors.

00:00 - Introduction to Nordic humor and folktales

Enjoy the humor and wisdom of Nordic folktales and remember that sometimes life’s silliness offers the best lessons. Until next time, embrace your own silliness — it's part of what makes us human.

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe to Nordic on Tap on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review!

What does it take for an immigrant inventor to change the course of history?

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of John Ericsson, the Swedish engineer who arrived in America virtually unknown and became one of the nation's most celebrated innovators. Best remembered as the designer of the revolutionary ironclad USS Monitor, Ericsson helped transform naval warfare during the American Civil War and played a pivotal role in one of history's most famous naval battles.

But Ericsson's story extends far beyond the Monitor. From surveying Sweden's Göta Canal as a teenager to building locomotives in England, pioneering the screw propeller, surviving professional setbacks, and battling skeptics throughout his career, Ericsson was a brilliant, stubborn, and relentless inventor whose ideas were often years ahead of their time.

Combining personal travel experiences, historical research, and interviews with experts at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and walking the deck of a full-scale replica of the USS Monitor, this episode uncovers the fascinating life, achievements, and enduring legacy of the man whose inventions changed the world.

See also Extras for John Ericsson, the USS Monitor and Me episode.

The episode transcript is Transcript for John Ericsson, The Monitor, and Me.

Saving Snorkel the Tortoise: Compassion, Science, Community, and the Exotic Pet Trade

In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of Snorkel, a sulcata tortoise living in Washington State, and discuss the importance of responsible exotic pet ownership, conservation, and ethics. Linnea Stavney shares her insights on teaching students about sulcata tortoises, caring for these long-lived creatures, and the challenges and opportunities of keeping exotic animals as pets or ambassadors for conservation. This episode is available as an audio podcast, as usual.

Main Topics:

Full transcipt at https://nordicontap.com/p/transcript-for-saving-snorkel-the-tortoise/

Timestamps:

Resources & Links:

Connect with Linnea Stavney:

This episode underscores the importance of ethical, informed, and compassionate care for exotic animals and emphasizes the role of community and education in conservation efforts.

Link to photos and links about Snorkel the Tortoise and CWU

https://nordicontap.com/p/picture-and-links-for-snorkel/

I remember when I first saw 7 people line up at a table, pick up two bells with each hand, and proceed to make music unlike anything I've heard before or since.  Not a single one of them played the melody. They created the melody and chords by coordinated movements and exquisite timing.  They played hymns, popular songs, you name it. And the sound of bells was magical and enchanting.

Imagine being in a choir without having to sing a single note. But you sure have to be able to concentrate, and read music.

Join me as we dive into the world of a handbell choir, how the bells work (more complicated than you'd think), and how with lots of practice they learn to play together.  You'll get to meet Matt Weed, a long-time handbell player who really knows his way around the bells. Like Matt, many of those in the Faith Lutheran Church Handbell Choir of Redmond, Washington, have been playing in the choir for 40-50 years. What is it that motivates these people to take time out at the end of their workdays to play bells? 

They say it's a lot of fun. And they invite anyone to experience handbell playing, including with digital bells online or on your phone. But it's more fun with a group of people!

Links and pictures for this Handbell podcast (https://nordicontap.podbean.com/p/links-and-pictures-for-making-joyful-music-the-handbell-choir/)

Join us for an interview of Danish composer, musician, and journalist, Morten Alfred Høirup. We find out what the folk music scene is like in Denmark and how state-sponsored radio funding is somewhat dependent on the political views of the current government. Morten also describes his work as a composer for film, especially on esoteric topics like animals (he's composed for Animal Planet, for example). What kind of music does he write to accompany a squirming snake or a jumping frog? Listen and find out!

We finish with a live recording of the guitar-duo, Høirup and Dornfeld, playing a delightful medley of Ingela's Vals (by Morten Alfred) and Meget Gammel Vals fra Vendsyssel (traditional).

See links and pictures for this episode at: Links and Pictures: Høirup

A "national treasure" is an artifact with significant cultural history associated with a particular country.

The Norwegian primstav certainly qualifies. It's a kind of perpetual calendar or almanac stick originating around 1100 was used to track important agricultural and religious dates through symbols used in particular communities.  

Then there's the Golden Horns of Gallehus, exquisite artifacts discovered in 1649 and 1734 in Southern Denmark. They show the first use of runic Germanic writing (Proto Norse) in the form of a full sentence. Their display in Danish museums was interrupted by a horrible event.

Join me as we learn about these two national treasures and hear a Nordic song from 1300 written in runes with notes.  These are two famous cultural icons that you've probably never heard of.

We also play the oldest song written in Proto-Norse runes entitled, "Drømde mik en drøm i nat" by Ensemble Mare Balticum.

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A transcript of this Primstav and the Horns of Gallehus podcast can be found here.

Visit our Extras page for pictures, links, and notes on Primstavs and The Horns.

The heart has long been associated with heavy emotions, from joy to the deepest sorrow.  Why is that?  How long have humans even known there was this organ inside all of us? 

In this program we explore the history of what we believe about the heart and the many Nordic and English expressions that refer to the heart.  Then we turn to Nordic folklore to learn what folk belief says about the necessity of having the organ called the heart, even if you are a troll. What might you sacrifice or gain by magically living without a heart (i.e. without a conscience)? 

We find out in the stories, "The troll who didn't carry his heart with him", and "The man without a heart."

Why is this question about "having a heart" so important today?

If you like what you hear, please follow us in your favorite podcast service or app!

Links and Pictures for Nordic Folktales of the Heart  (https://nordicontap.podbean.com/p/links-and-pictures-for-man-without-a-heart/)

Anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas said in his book, Rituals: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living, that rituals often have no physical result when performed. Instead, rituals are symbolic, and perform a very essential function in the roles of community building, cooperation, and trust.

In this Nordic on Tap episode, we delve into the Saint Lucia ritual, which coincides with the old winter solstice date (Dec 13th) on the Julian calendar.  What happens during the St. Lucia ritual? Who participates? 

Traditionally in Sweden, Lucia was depicted as a blue-eyed, blonde girl with fair skin. However, in modern times, as the population becomes more diverse, the St. Lucia ritual has evolved to reflect a broader range of backgrounds, promoting greater inclusivity. This highlights how traditions can evolve to reflect societal changes while still maintaining their cultural significance.

Join me as we try to make sense of this with Stina Cowan, the Cultural Director at the Swedish Club Northwest, in Seattle, Washington USA.  We also listen to  3 traditional and lovely Lucia Day songs associated with the ritual.

See extras and links for this podcast here: Links and Pictures St. Lucia.