

Happy To Be Here
Greta Johnsen
Happy to be Here is an interview podcast for the recovering perfectionist and the perpetually curious. It’s full of conversations you can sink your teeth into, so you can learn a little about almost everything.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 6, 2021 • 24min
Nerdette Book Club: David Yoon On 'Version Zero'
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 Zero' is a futuristic thriller about a group of friends who discover the dark side of the internet and decide to do something about it. There's action, suspense, a love triangle, and a reclusive billionaire. Basically, it's a great ride.
Listen to our spoiler-free interview with David Yoon, and if you're reading along, make sure to record your questions/comments/thoughts/reactions and send them in to nerdettepodcast@gmail.com. We'll be back later this month with a super spoiler-y discussion about the book with some amazing panelists. Until then, enjoy!
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Jul 2, 2021 • 35min
Heat Waves, Fun Games, And Weird Plays
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, who says she’s got big plans for crossword land...
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Jun 25, 2021 • 31min
SCOTUS: It's Okay To Say 'F*** School'
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://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 22, 2021 • 50min
Nerdette Book Club: 'Great Circle'
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!
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Jun 18, 2021 • 24min
Summer Reads And The Soundtrack For Them
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.
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Jun 11, 2021 • 30min
Don't Get FOMO, Get JOMO
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.'
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Jun 8, 2021 • 30min
Nerdette Book Club: Maggie Shipstead On ‘Great Circle’
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 day movie star who ends up playing Marian in a movie. It’s also about planes, WWII, bootlegging, untouched places, fame, celebrity gossip, love, Alaska, and so much more.
Listen to this spoiler-free discussion with the author, and if you’re reading along make sure to send us your thoughts before our panel chat later this month! Just record yourself on your smartphone and send the file to nerdettepodcast@gmail.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 4, 2021 • 33min
Sex, Swears, And Tennis Phenoms
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!!! Join us!
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May 28, 2021 • 26min
Can I Really Take Off My Mask Now We Asked An Epidemiologist
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 week!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 25, 2021 • 37min
Nerdette Book Club: 'White Ivy'
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://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


