Shows
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#29 You Won’t Believe What Iceland Charges for Cheese!They’re ba-ack! Just like the ghosts that kidnapped little Carol Anne in the movie Poltergeist. Jonas and Lydia review what went well and what went terribly wrong in 2020, all the while trying desperately to remain positive despite the bad taste 2020 and the first seven days of 2021 have left in their mouths. Explosive diarrhea can have that effect. And as expected, everything eventually comes back to drag, ‘wrastling,' books and cheese. Can't get enough? Check out Lyd the SBW's podcast.THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know, we are...2021-01-1359 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#28 Vicarious Vacays: Part 2Take a vicarious virus-free vacay with the Raisin at the Hot Dog's End as your fearless hosts explore this ghost town of an island (cue tumbleweed) after the tourist pipe got shut off in this two-part episode. So dust off your virtual luggage and come take a trip with us around Iceland.In Part 2, Jonas and friends explore the northern and southern reaches of Iceland, including the Sardinia of the North (if you kind of blur your eyes), Ólafsfjörður, and Iceland's very own volcanic (and Morman-loving) darlings, the Westman Islands. Lydia and Jonas both visit the...2020-09-071h 17
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#27 Vicarious Vacays: Part 1Take a vicarious virus-free vacay with the Raisin at the Hot Dog's End as your fearless hosts explore this ghost town of an island (cue tumbleweed) after the tourist pipe got shut off in this two-part episode.Part 1, in which Jonas and Lydia do some light, requisite whining about the locals' distaste for following rules set out to combat Iceland's second Covid wave. But changing gears they regale you with the details of their extravagant, extensive travels this summer on the island that Covid forgot (for the most part, at least until August). But there's trouble in...2020-08-3142 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#26 The “Horses” are Definitely Not Too Small & Other Icelandic ProblemsTurmoil is still the watchword of 2020. Lydia and Jonas give updates on how things are going in Iceland during this turbulent time, including the local media’s shitty coverage of the fire that claimed the lives of three immigrants, how Black Lives Matter (and don’t) on the island, a little Iceland pride month stocktaking (spoiler: meh) and what the Netflix film “Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga” gets right and wrong about Iceland. All Things Iceland with JewellsErlendur MagazineHin ReykjavikTHIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL. Just so you know...2020-07-1048 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#25 Maybe the Sheep are Too Picky#25 MAYBE THE SHEEP ARE TOO PICKYWell, shit, 2020 sure took a turn for the worse, but Jonas and Lydia soldier on. Iceland is approaching Covid-19-free status and gasoline has been thrown onto the dumpster fire that is their homeland (that's the US of A). With all of that in mind, in this episode, they dig in to what's really been happening in Iceland. Has Iceland beat the pandemic? Is it because the prime minister is a woman? How many black people actually live in Iceland? Is racism a thing in Iceland? And most importantly, what color...2020-06-1046 minThe Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#24 It Has Nothing to Do With the Age of the Plane#24 IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AGE OF THE PLANEJonas and Lydia are hunkered down for winter and in Iceland, winter never seems to end. The weather is shit, there’s little to no sunlight and sickness is inescapable. The hopes and dreams of the new year are dashed having barely taken their first breaths. The winter wonderland effect quickly wears thin once the smoke from the fireworks clears. But there are upsides. There’s the Winter Festival and the Lenten season with it’s cream puffs and bean soup. Actually, just don’t look behind t...2020-02-1447 minThe Raisin at the Hot Dog's EndMini #2 Christmas Time is HereHear more about the Icelandic Christmas Spirit in episode 16 Jólin koma.Intro: "Winter Wonderland" by Bing CrosbyOutro: "Christmas Time is Here - Vocal" by Vince Guaraldi TrioThe song Jonas is singing and wanted to make the intro but Lydia forgot to add in while editing (oops): "Jólin jólin" by Svanhildur JakobsdóttirThe Swedish Christmas tea Jonas picked up while visiting Daniel in Sweden is called rooibos julknäck.The hand lotion Lydia got at Hrím is No. 195 Grapefruit Leaf by L:A Brucke...2019-12-2040 minThe Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#23 Gender Snaps/Crampons by Crampax#23 GENDER SNAPS/CRAMPONS BY CRAMPAX
Jonas and Lydia bring you the signs of Icelandic winter to come and discuss how they prepare for the impending Christmas mirth and post holidays gloom. Along the way they delve into Swedish and Danish (languages and food packaging), gender havoc, etymology, Jonas’ favorite tea and sprinkle in some ASMR treats. Hashtag ASMR (that’s how hashtags work right?).
Flowers commonly used in blooming/flowering green tea: globe amaranth, chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily, hibiscus, and osmanthus.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.Just so you know, we are...2019-11-161h 01The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#22 ½ Troof Hurts TangentsTHIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid gold from our brainses. Enjoy. Wanna say thank you? Rate us and/or leave us a review. GO NUTS WITH OUR GOOGLE MAP (WE MADE IT JUST FOR YOU W...2019-09-0419 minThe Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#22 The Troof Hurts#22 THE TROOF HURTS
In the light of some pretty schlocky "guides to Iceland" we've seen in some publications that could do better (we're lookin at you, Guardian!) Jonas and Lydia give you their no-holds-barred, behind-the-scenes, boxing-gloves-off guide to Iceland! No quaint bistros and museum tips here. Your favorite Texans-on-ice get down to the nitty-gritty: the good, the bad and the insular Nordic. Jonas and Lydia share their top 10 (and bottom) in a messy, not-so-listicle style, with you sweet, sweet little Raisins. So put on those noise cancelling headphones or fancy schmancy airpods and listen to your favorite...2019-08-281h 36The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#21 Thickly Settled#21 THICKLY SETTLED
On a beautiful day in sunny Reykjavík, Iceland, Jonas and Lydia talk whale carcasses, the effectiveness of tourism boycotts, Eurovision, abortion bans and what it really means to be thickly settled. Summer 2019 is off to a simply smashing start!
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have f...2019-06-0256 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#20 Too Sexy For Your Eagle#Episode #20
#20 Too Sexy For Your Eagle
Happy anniversary little raisins! It's been one year since Jonas and Lydia first plugged in the old Snowball mic and let you listen in on their therapy sessions cleverly disguised as a podcast. You're welcome. On this week's episode they talk Iceland’s disproportionate glut of holidays (First Day of Summer and 2nd Day of Easter followed by an all-you-can-Feast of the Ascension), the country’s grand plan to save the world, cars (they're terrible) vs. pedestrian streets and the sexy trouples of the avian world.
THIS IS N...2019-05-0359 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#19 Everything is Fine#Episode #19
#19 Everything is Fine
Spring has sprung in Iceland but the spring spirit has yet to take hold. Jonas and Lydia are a bit down in the doldrums but there are some bright spots, some metaphorical crocuses if you will, peeping through the dirt that is everyday (sometimes shitty) life— good food and literary festivals. Read a book. Happy Easter?
Iceland Writers Retreat
Reykjavik International Literary Festival
Höfði Mathöll
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any o...2019-04-1541 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#18 Beyond Björk#Episode #18
#18 Beyond Björk
Don’t get us wrong, Björk, Sigur Rós, GusGus and Of Monsters and Men are great but there’s a lot more to Icelandic music. In this episode, we’ll begin our journey into the Icelandic music landscape and introduce you to some classics, what the kids are listening to and sprinkle in a touch of techno BDSM.
We’re hoping to make this a recurring topic of discussion so don’t be dismayed if you’re not into or are already hip to the music we talk about this...2019-02-151h 09
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#17 The Year of Joy (no tidying necessary)#Episode #17
#17 The Year of Joy (no tidying necessary)
Happy New Year and Gleðilegt ár! It's a new year and Jonas and Lydia are all about doing things that bring them joy. Find out how they (and Icelanders) ring in the New Year and their plans for The Raisin and the Hot Dog in 2019. Get excited Little Raisins! As usual, they veer off on a tangent or ten but it's part of their charm. Check out the links below to communicate with J-Mo and Lyd via the social media (they've both completed four decades on th...2019-01-1854 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#16 Jólin koma#Episode #16
Jólin koma
Jólin koma (Christmas is coming) and so is murder, mayhem, monstrous trolls and classist felines. It’s Christmastime in Iceland. Jonas and Lydia explore the figurative and literal darkness of winter, the aggressive, angry mirth of Icelanders and how to get your Yule on.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any...2018-12-1951 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#15 Thanksgiving#Episode #15
THANKSGIVING
Christmas trees and lights are popping up all over Reykjavík, office Christmas parties are in full swing and children are whispering in delight, “jólin koma”...and it’s still November. Back in the old country, Christmas talk doesn’t really get going until, say, the week of Thanksgiving. But in Iceland, Christmasing begins well before that and we think that may be in large part due to the lack of a November holiday and the crushing darkness but it all feels a little rushed to us. We haven’t given ourselves over to the...2018-11-2249 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#14 Back to the Dark Side#Episode #14
BACK TO THE DARK SIDE
The shadow of the cold, clammy hands of winter's dark is falling across Iceland and getting Jonas and Lydia in the mood--not that kind of mood, get your minds' out of the gutter--in the mood for scary stories. Jonas brings us the tale of a Deacon who is a little too determined to keep his date in "Deacon of Dark River/Djákinn á Myrká" and Lydia gets to the root of all evil in "Drangey Consecrated." Bless, bless and Happy Halloween y'all!
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'A...2018-10-2935 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#13 The Isms#Episode #13
The Isms
We’re back from our summer break and ready to dig into a meaty topic as we launch season two of The Raisin at the Hot Dog’s End. We’re talking -isms. Lydia and Jonas have lived in the American South, New England and Iceland, and if there is one thing we know for sure it’s that where there be humans, there be isms and phobias. No place on earth, where humans live, is Mary Poppins level perfect, that is, practically perfect in every way, for those of you who somehow...2018-09-211h 05
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's EndMini #1 How to Vote While Living Abroad#Mini Episode #01
How to Vote While Living Abroad
Visit the website for FVAP (Federal Voting Assistance Program), which will give you more specific instructions for your state and district. BUT DO NOT WAIT! Some state cut-off times to register are in early October and the process can take a while.
So visit FVAP today and get 'er done!
On the right hand side of the screen will be a red box and inside the box is a pull down menu where you may select your voting residence state. You’ll be re...2018-07-3106 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#12 Reykjavík Night Life or Black Death and Fire Wine#Episode #12
Reykjavík Night Life or Black Death and Fire Wine
If Jonas and Lydia know anything, it's that a night on the town in Reykjavík doesn't have to include drunken debauchery cause, you know, they're too old for that shit. But if that's your thing they totally know about some places where you can debauch away–always with consent, #druslugangan–and then go for brunch after.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of thi...2018-07-281h 02
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#11 Hidden Gems#Episode #11
Hidden Gems
Jonas and Lydia talk hidden gems, sights to see off the beaten path and sing old American TV show theme songs.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting paid to pretend something is your honest opinion. This is pure, unadulterated solid...2018-07-131h 03
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#10 #notallicelanders#Episode #10
#NOTALLICELANDERS
We're into the double digits folks and now it's time to get down to the nitty and the gritty. This time we're taking off the gloves and talking Icelanders and their idiosyncrasies.
NB: We’re making sweeping generalizations about an entire nation here, which is why we have (lovingly) called this ep “#notallicelanders, as these are our impressions and there are plenty of Icelanders who break the mold! So why talk about this? Because moving country and adapting to a new culture can make you feel like you’re being gas lighte...2018-06-221h 07
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#9 Going Medieval on Your Snæfellsnes#Episode #9
GOING MEDIEVAL ON YOUR SNÆFELLSNES
Snufflegrass? Schnozzlefat? Snookerflip? No, it's Snæfellsnes week! Lydia and Jonas get real with the story of Guðríður the far-traveller, a 10th-century bad-ass Snæfellsnesian lady who went through husbands like kleenex, summered in Greenland, wintered in Manhattan, dropped in on her friend the pope in Rome, probably met an alien, and definitely pulled some legendary party tricks involving a freaky-deaky fortune-teller, some cat-skin gloves and a bowl of "goatmeal" (that's oatmeal with goat's milk, in case you're wondering). Later in the episode: Lydia and Jonas discus...2018-06-0852 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#8 Lamb's Head and Licorice and Hot Dogs, Oh My!#Episode #8
LAMB'S HEAD AND LICORICE AND HOT DOGS, OH MY!
The food gauntlet has been thrown down. Who dares accept the challenge? Lydia and Jonas introduce you to the sometimes delish, often repulsive, but entirely unique world of Icelandic gastronomy. The all-you-can-listen buffet is open. Tie on your bibs, break out your puke buckets and bon appetit, y'all.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "...2018-06-011h 09
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#7 Way Out West, Way Up North#Episode #7
WAY OUT WEST, WAY UP NORTH
Lydia and Jonas take to the road this episode—Lydia to the Westfjords and Jonas to Akureyri—and discuss the trials, tribulations and pastries they encountered along the way. What dangers lie in the mountains and valleys of the Westfjords? What secrets does the sleepy town of Akureyri hold (hint: they bring local food to a whole, new, gruesome level)? And what is this ferming ritual you've heard so much about? Your endearing diamonds in the rough—Jonas and Lydia—answer these questions and more.
THIS IS NOT S...2018-05-251h 04
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#6 LambVision#Episode #6
LAMBVISION
In this week's episode, Lydia and Jonas talk about their weekend adventures including exploring the politically charged weirdness that is Eurovision, lambing season, bad swimming pool etiquette, Icelandic film and the Christian calendar. Oh boy.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of this is an advertisement or sponsored content or a "collaboration" (can you sense our collective eye roll?) with any companies or organizations or whatever other euphemism you have for getting...2018-05-1859 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#5 Icelandic 101: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo#Episode #5
ICELANDIC 101: BIBBIDI-BOBBIDI-BOO
Icelandic is just another Nordic language (like Swedish, Norwegian and Danish). But instead of moving into the modern era like its neighbors—with ABBA, minimalist design, open-faced sandwiches and all that—Iceland has a crazy death-grip on its ancient tongue. Sir Jo-Jo and Lady Lydz give us the lowdown on what it’s like living in their personal, linguistic renaissance fair: masochistic grammar, survival phrases, the world's most entertaining phonebook and much more.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not ge...2018-05-111h 05
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#4 A Trip to the Dark Side: Hair-raising Stories from Iceland#Episode #4
A TRIP TO THE DARK SIDE: HAIR-RAISING STORIES FROM ICELAND
Now that the days are finally getting longer, Jonas & Lydia feel it’s safe to tell some dark stories from Iceland without hurling themselves into a deep depression. Lyd uncovers a grizzly chapter from the history of the Westfjords wherein the locals hunted down and mutilated a group of Basque sailors. And Jonas regales us with the bloody story of Iceland’s only serial killer (with the exception of mayonnaise-induced heart disease).
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT, Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just...2018-05-0242 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#3 Up, Down & Through Iceland, Part 2#Episode #3
UP, DOWN & THROUGH ICELAND, PART 2
This is Lydia’s first time living in Iceland and Jonas’ second time. They’ve both lived here for almost a year now and are both married to Icelanders so they’ve visited often and have travelled up, down and through Iceland. They have recommendations, do’s and don’ts and tales of adventure to share. These are their stories. Insert Law & Order sound here. We had so much to say we had to split it into two parts (episodes 2 and 3). And then we still weren't done, so we served up a...2018-05-0156 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#2 Up, Down & Through Iceland, Part 1#Episode #2
UP, DOWN & THROUGH ICELAND, PART 1
This is Lydia’s first time living in Iceland and Jonas’ second time. They’ve both lived here for almost a year now and are both married to Icelanders so they’ve visited often and have travelled up, down and through Iceland. They have recommendations, do’s and don’ts and tales of adventure to share. These are their stories. Insert Law & Order sound here. We had so much to say we had to split it into two parts (episodes 2 and 3). And then we still weren't done, so we served up a...2018-05-0148 min
The Raisin at the Hot Dog's End#1 A Mild, Mild Palate... Meet Jonas & Lydia in Iceland#Episode #1
A MILD, MILD PALATE... MEET JONAS & LYDIA IN ICELAND
The first episode of The Raisin at the Hot Dog’s End finds Jonas and Lydia, two Texan-Americans living in Iceland, gabbing about what they find weird and interesting about Iceland—hello, pickled ram genitals—and trying to figure out how to record their podcast. Listen in and discover why Iceland, Icelandic and Icelanders are so damned fascinating.
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT Y'ALL. FER REAL.
Just so you know, we are absolutely not getting paid for any of this. None of thi...2018-05-0138 min