Greta Johnsen

Happy To Be Here

Society EN ↓ 672 episodes

Happy To Be Here is a new interview podcast for the recovering perfectionist and the perpetually curious, full of conversations that make you feel right at home and allow you to learn a little bit about almost anything. Host Greta Johnsen (formerly of Nerdette ) invites you to meet  journalists, chefs, authors, and all kinds of excellent humans who will delight and inspire you. Packed with recommendations for stuff to eat, read, watch, and enjoy, this show is great for helping you make sure you actually take it easy this weekend, wherever you might happen to be.

Author

Greta Johnsen

Category

Society

Podcast website

art19.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Somehow It’s July! Are You Delighted Yet? 09.07.2021

Somehow we’re already halfway through 2021! So we thought it’d be the perfect time to revisit two of our favorite segments from the year so far. First up, it’s poet Ross Gay talking about delights! What are they? Why do they matter? And how can attending to them change your life for the better? Then, we listen back to our chat with Jeni Briton Bauer -- yes, *that* Jeni -- the world’s biggest ice c...

Nerdette Book Club: David Yoon On 'Version Zero' 06.07.2021

Welcome back to Nerdette Book Club! It's just like a regular book club except you never have to leave your house! This month we're reading 'Version Zero,' the latest from YA powerhouse David Yoon ('Frankly In Love,' 'Super Fake Love Song') and Yoon's first offering for "grown ups." (We're putting that in quotes because at Nerdette, we believe YA is for everyone! But you get what we mean.) 'Version...

Heat Waves, Fun Games, And Weird Plays 02.07.2021

We unpack the week that was, including ‘Zola,’ heat waves, and the Delta variant, with Priska Neely and Anna Rubanova. Then, Abby Browde, co-creator of ‘A Thousand Ways,’ tells us what inspired this delightfully strange... play? (You’ll have to listen to the interview for a better description!) AND we hear from the first ever editorial director of the New York Times Games section Everdeen Mason, w...

SCOTUS: It's Okay To Say 'F*** School' 25.06.2021

We discuss the week that was with the hosts of ‘The Cut’ podcast, Jazmin Aguilera and B.A. Parker. That means, of course, Britney Spears’ latest statement on her conservatorship, the case of the cursing cheerleader, and online dating! Plus, Michael Greyeyes stops by to tell us all the reasons why ‘Rutherford Falls’ should be on your watch list. It’s a pretty great time! See Privacy Policy at https...

Nerdette Book Club: 'Great Circle' 22.06.2021

It’s that time again! This month, we discuss Maggie Shipstead’s ‘Great Circle’ with book critic Bethanne Patrick and Kirkus fiction reviewer Laurie Muchnick. We talk about scale, art, and the Arctic. Plus, we hear from some of you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer Reads And The Soundtrack For Them 18.06.2021

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the beaches are packed. Whether you’re working or basking, we have some recommendations for books to read and jams to hang to this summer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Don't Get FOMO, Get JOMO 11.06.2021

Writers Heather Havrilesky and Daniel Lavery join to unpack the week that was, including FOMO, vaccine incentives, and Simone Biles. We also hear from Dr. Carl Hart, a drug researcher at Columbia University who thinks drugs should be legal again! And last but not least, author Martha Wells tells us about her surprisingly delightful series 'Murderbot Diaries.' See Privacy Policy at https://art19.co...

Nerdette Book Club: Maggie Shipstead On ‘Great Circle’ 08.06.2021

Welcome back to the Nerdette Book Club! It’s just like a regular book club only we never have to know if you actually read the book! This month our pick is ‘Great Circle’ by Maggie Shipstead. At just over 600 pages, it’s a hefty read but SO worth it. The story follows Marian Graves, a 20th century aviatrix who disappears during an attempt at circumnavigating the Earth, and Hadley Baxter, a modern...

Sex, Swears, And Tennis Phenoms 04.06.2021

Relevant links include: Why The Ransomware Crisis Suddenly Feels So Relentless (via MIT Technology Review) Naomi Osaka And The Power Of ‘Nope’ (via New York Times) Viral Video Of Teen Pushing Bear Off Fence (via Instagram user @bakedlikepie) “Help Da Bear” Mystikal Freestyle (via YouTube) Sex Points by Bat Sheva Marcus Nine Nasty Words by John McWhorter Nerdette’s Virtual Book Society Event !!! Jo...

Can I Really Take Off My Mask Now We Asked An Epidemiologist 28.05.2021

This week we checked back in with Dr. Emily Landon, an epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist at the University of Chicago, to get all of your latest COVID questions answered! We talked about the CDC’s new masking guidelines -- which she calls a “mistake” -- how to navigate reopening with unvaccinated kids, and the future of the pandemic. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions this w...

Nerdette Book Club: 'White Ivy' 25.05.2021

It’s that time again! This month, we discuss Susie Yang’s best selling debut novel ‘White Ivy’ with author Leland Cheuk (‘No Good Very Bad Asian’) and Barathi Nakkeeran, a New Delhi-based researcher and contributor to the Chicago Review of Books. We talk about class anxiety, anti heroes, and unhappy endings. Plus, we hear from a bunch of you! It’s a pretty good time! See Privacy Policy at https://...

I Want To Believe… In An End To The Generation Wars 21.05.2021

This week we’re joined by ‘1A’ senior producer Jonquilyn Hill and Danielle Kurtzleben, co-host of ‘The NPR Politics Podcast.’ Together, we unpack the week that was, including societal reopening, UFOs, and the latest escalation in the unending generation wars. Plus, romance novelists Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, who have written more than a dozen novels together under the pen name Christina...

This Week We're Going "Off The Rails!" (Wearing Slippers In Public And Leaning Into Dry Shampoo) 14.05.2021

This week we’re joined by Amy Ratcliffe, author of ‘A Kids Guide To Fandom’ and managing editor of Nerdist, and Jasmine Warga, who wrote ‘Other Words For Home’ and ‘The Shape Of Thunder.’ They tell us about their “off the rails” pandemic moments, opinions on the Golden Globes, and how often they’ve been showering as of late. Then, Anna Sale, host of WNYC’s ‘Death, Sex, And Money’ joins to discuss...

Nerdette Book Club: Susie Yang On ‘White Ivy’ 11.05.2021

Welcome back to Nerdette Book Club! It’s just like a regular book club only you never have to leave your house! This month’s pick is ‘White Ivy’ by Susie Yang. It’s a thrilling debut about a young Chinese American woman harboring a dark obsession for her childhood crush. Listen to our spoiler-free discussion of the book with Susie, and be sure to come back later this month for a spoiler-filled con...

Bye Bye Herd Immunity, We Hardly Knew Ye 07.05.2021

Greta’s back in the host seat this week, joined by the host of ‘Galaxy Brains’ Dave Schilling and WBEZ politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. They discuss the YOLO economy, Bill and Melinda Gates’ divorce, and say goodbye to all hope for an end to the pandemic. Then, Megan Ganz and Charlotte Nicdao stop by to tell us all about their Apple TV+ show ‘Mythic Quest,’ a workplace comedy about a company that...

Flashing Face After The Vax? It’s More Likely Than You Think 30.04.2021

Once again, we have made it to Friday. This week, Vocalo’s Jill Hopkins takes over while Greta is away enjoying the exotic sights and sounds of central Michigan. Our panelists are Madison Malone Kircher and Rachelle Hampton, the hosts of Slate’s new internet culture podcast 'ICYMI.' They discuss the surprisingly fraught landscape of post-vax unmasking, Biden’s first 100 days, and the impending dem...

Nerdette Book Club: 'The Office Of Historical Corrections' 27.04.2021

Welcome back to Nerdette Book Club! This month we’re reading ‘The Office of Historical Corrections’ by Danielle Evans. It’s a totally immersive short story collection that’s as funny as it is searching. If you love short stories, you’re in the right place. And if you’re still a little ‘meh’ on them, these stories will make you a believer! What makes a good collection? What are the stakes of histor...

The Chauvin Verdict, 'Mother Grains,' And The Incoming Cicada Rager 23.04.2021

Once again, we have made it to Friday y’all. Congratulations. This week we are joined by Lucas Silveira, musician and host of ‘Shine True,’ as well as Tre’vell Anderson, journalist and co-host of the podcast ‘FANTI’. We discuss the Mars helicopter, comedians who are swole, and of course the Chauvin verdict. Plus, Roxana Jullapat joins to talk about her highly anticipated cookbook ‘Mother Grains,’...

Police Violence, Podcast Recommendations, And The Pandemic Wall 16.04.2021

It’s been a heavy week… Come process with us! This week we’re joined by Negin Farsad, comedian and host of Fake The Nation, and Aarti Shahani, host of Art of Power. We discuss the ongoing issue of police violence and wonder whether the Johnson & Johnson clots are really worth the hype. Then, podcast critic Nick Quah recommends his favorite new shows of the season. And Sarah Lyall reminds us that t...

Nerdette Book Club: Danielle Evans On 'The Office Of Historical Corrections' 13.04.2021

Welcome back to Nerdette Book Club! This month’s pick is ‘The Office of Historical Corrections’ by Danielle Evans. It’s a funny and expertly crafted new collection of short stories from the award winning author of ‘Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self.’ Listen to our spoiler-free discussion of the book with Danielle herself! And be sure to come back later this month for a spoiler-filled convers...

Is Re-watching 'Grey's Anatomy' A Cry For Help? A Shondaland Investigation 09.04.2021

Would you carry a vaccine passport? Should we have to rely on corporate overlords to ensure our right to vote? Will you still watch “Bridgerton” even though Regé-Jean Page won’t be around? IS RE-WATCHING “GREY’S ANATOMY” A CRY FOR HELP???? We are joined this week by Hanna Rosin, who runs podcasts at New York Magazine, and Gillian B. White, managing editor at The Atlantic. Plus, Sarah Langan stops...

The Boat Is Unstuck! Time For A Satanic Panic, I Guess 02.04.2021

Oh gosh, let’s see. COVID cases are rising again. The boat is no longer obstructing the Suez Canal. Derek Chauvin is on trial for the murder of George Floyd. And Lil Nas X is winning the internet! Jacoby Cochran, host of the City Cast Chicago podcast, and Jill Hopkins, host of Jill Afternoons on Vocalo, help us unpack the week that was. Plus, like the strident feminists we are, we are refusing to...

Nerdette Book Club: 'Piranesi' 30.03.2021

It’s time for our March Book Club panel! This month we are discussing ‘Piranesi,’ Susanna Clarke’s long-awaited second novel. It’s a strange and compelling tale that will keep you wondering even after it ends. Joining us to unpack it are V.E. Schwab, author of (among many other things) ‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,’ and Madeline Miller, author of ‘Circe’ and ‘Song of Achilles.’ Listen now! S...

The USPS Is Not A Girl Boss And Neither Are You 26.03.2021

Amazingly, we have made it through another week. This one was all about women’s basketball, girl bosses, and the USPS… and the canceled shrimp guy, but we won’t get into that here. Niala Boodhoo, host of the Axios Today podcast, and Lauren Chooljian, who makes podcasts for New Hampshire Public Radio, join to unpack the week that was. Then, we talk to wellness writer Virginia Sole-Smith about what’...

Working Moms, Spring Books, And Hot Cast Iron Tips 19.03.2021

It’s been a rough week. WBEZ’s Race, Class & Communities reporters Natalie Moore and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang join us to unpack it. Plus, a spring book preview with Liberty Hardy and cast iron tips from the TikTok famous expert: Matt Bright. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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