Happy To Be Here

Latest Episodes:

Video Games For Noobs May 25, 2020

Show notes

There are so many video game options that it can be hard to know where to begin. Which is why Nerdette host Greta Johnsen enlisted the assistance of Samantha Nelson, who writes about video games for The A.V. Club and Polygon. From simple task-oriented games to elaborate explorations, she’s got you covered. Plus, of course, we get plenty of recommendations from YOU.

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What To Do With All That Anxiety May 22, 2020

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Greta talks with grief counselor Claire Bidwell Smith about how anxiety is part of grieving and how grieving is now part of everyday life. Plus what you can do with all those anxious thoughts.

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Exercise: Come On! Let’s Do It! May 19, 2020

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Have you been exercising lately? No shame if you haven't! But ... personal trainer Sarah Gonsiorowski of The Lunge Ladies has some ideas to get your body moving. We also hear about some great apps and workout routines from YOU, our lovely listeners.

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Book Club: A Not-Too-Spoilery Convo With Sci-Fi Author N.K. Jemisin May 15, 2020

Show notes

How does one deal with existential horror from beyond? That’s one question at the heart of The City We Became, a new novel from Hugo Award-winning author N.K. Jemisin, in which New York City literally comes alive in order to fight off “creepy tentacle monster creatures."

Nerdette's Greta Johnsen talked to Jemisin earlier this week about the novel, how all cities have personalities, and why she doesn’t describe racism with subtlety.

AND in a couple weeks, we'll bring you a panel discussion on The City We Became for our May Nerdette Book Club.

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TV You Gotta Watch May 12, 2020

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TV! We need it, you probably need it, and New York Times TV critic Margaret Lyons has it!

Lyons tells us about four great new TV shows — each of which fits into that “Just-feed-it-to-me-like grapes” model of show that we all so desperately crave right now. And of course, we field TV recommendations from listeners, too!

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Should You Cut Your Own Hair? May 05, 2020

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When Nerdette listeners told us last week what they would have done with a warning before stay-at-home orders, haircuts were top of mind. But is an at-home haircut ever a good idea?

Nerdette host Greta Johnsen asked her friend (and hair stylist) Julia Pishko for some tips.

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What Was On Your Pre-Pandemic Wish List? May 01, 2020

Show notes

If you had a one-week pre-stay-at-home warning, what would you have done? This episode is filled with your pre-pandemic wish lists, from spending time with loved ones to buying nail polish to dancing your face off.

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The Online Dating Scene Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

In the middle of a pandemic, dating might be the last thing on your mind. But some singles are feeling more isolated now than ever, and some of them want to do something about it. We talk with two dating experts — Bela Gandhi of Smart Dating Academy in Chicago and San Francisco-based dating coach Logan Ury — about the kinds of advice they’re giving their clients right now.

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Book Club: ‘You Never Forget Your First’ Apr 24, 2020

Show notes

Are you ready for a fresh look at George Washington and his many foul diseases? You've come to the right place!

Nerdette host Greta Johnsen joins Lulu Miller, co-creator of NPR's Invisibilia podcast and author of Why Fish Don't Exist, to break down Alexis Coe’s new biography of George Washington, You Never Forget Your First. We also eat hoecakes and consider bloodletting.

Plus, get ready for next month’s book club pick: The City We Became, a new fantasy novel by Hugo Award-winning author N.K. Jemisin.

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Music You Can Use-ic Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

There’s never a bad time to expand your musical horizons, and mid-pandemic is no exception. So we got ahold of Jill Hopkins, host of The Morning AMP at Vocalo, Chicago’s urban alternative radio station, to provide us with some positive listening. Nerdette listeners supplied the rest. Enjoy!

(Need a list of the songs in this week's episode? Check it out right here.)

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