Happy To Be Here

Author Margaret Atwood is the queen of speculative fiction. We discuss feminism, the future of books and her latest collection of stories: Stone Mattress. Also: Why she loves duct tape. All that plus your nerd confessions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caitlin Doughty is host of the popular YouTube series Ask a Mortician and author of the new memoir Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons From the Crematory. We talk about the history and present of how cultures handle death. Plus a nerd confession that includes a Gollum impression.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Simon Rich was the youngest staff writer ever on Saturday Night Live. His new book 'Spoiled Brats' is a collection of funny stories, including one about time travel in Brooklyn that's being turned into a movie. We also talk with a producer at NPR who reported a story about how young-lady voices are received on the radio. Plus your nerd confessions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The author of Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy uncovers maverick women of the Civil War. A night at a campfire with war reenactors. Plus Harry Potter homework and nerd confessions collected live while people drank Game of Thrones beer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Super nerd Hank Green on the evolution of YouTube. Comedian Cameron Esposito gives homework. And Ariana Tobin of Marketplace on the disappearing act of pockets in women's fashion. Plus your nerd confessions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Ada Lovelace Day! In celebration of the mother of computer programming, we get to know a great lady nerd of today: Hopscotch app co-founder Jocelyn Leavitt. Then we go behind-the-scenes at Serial, the new podcast from This American Life. Lauren Chooljian talks to singers from indie pop powerhouse Lucius about their nerdy passions. Mr. Superlative stops by. And a Gilmore Girls-related nerd confession.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turns out comedian Judah Friedlander and New York Times Crossword editor Will Shortz both really, really love ping pong. We also talk about Judah's time on 30 Rock, Will's puzzle prowess and hear an intense Lord of the Rings nerd confession.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An out of this world conversation with author Lydia Netzer and a pretty powerful nerd confession from our intern Patrick.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Rob Delaney on being open about mental health without glorifying the 'tortured artist' trope, being a Twitter superstar and the most unexpectedly sexy thing about his marriage. Plus homework from Josh Gondelman and your nerd confessions. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tricia and Greta gush over their favorite name on the new MacArthur genius grant list. Plus we revisit a conversation with Rookie editor - and now Broadway star - Tavi Gevinson. Then writer Tracy Letts gives homework.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An interview with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, profile of great lady nerd of history Sally Ride and Klingon nerd confession make up this medley of our favorite space stories.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We picked the brain of one of our favorite podcasters: The Memory Palace's Nate DiMeo. Nate talks about bringing history to life, writing for Parks and Recreation and what we can learn from pop music. Oh, and SPACE. Plus a potentially shocking Simpsons-related nerd confession. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Elizabeth Gilbert talks about corgis, fairies, and her latest book about a lady botanist in the 1800s. Then plant expert Angela Overy describes what makes our gardens inherently illicit. And your nerd confessions. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Lev Grossman on his new book The Magician's Land, reviewing books for Time and raising nerdy kids. Then we get to know the story of Wonder Woman with comic historian Tim Hanley. And a tearful nerd confession about Chance the Rapper.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A summer reading list from Edan Lepucki, breakout author of the novel California. Then the hosts of On the Media's TLDR podcast stop by to chat about everything from explaining Reddit to old people to why Chipotle is a cruel mistress. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Perrotta talks about his novel and new HBO show The Leftovers, why his nickname in high school was Frodo and what he learned from a summer working as a garbage collector. Plus a nerd confession about a Tinder match gone awry because of Game of Thrones.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Linklater explains why it took 12 years to make his new film. Plus, Dan Weissmann from Marketplace on why killing comic characters is good business. Then Lauren Chooljian takes a road trip to meet Detroit's McClure brothers with her pickle nerd boyfriend. And your nerd confessions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emmy nominee Jessi Klein, a stand up comedian and head writer for Inside Amy Schumer, nerds out with Tricia and Greta about the Marx Brothers, Black Stallion and the fearlessly funny feminism of her sketch show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nerdette takes a trip back in time to get to know great lady nerds of history like opera singer Marian Anderson and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Hear a tapestry of voices recite Sojourner Truth's 1851 rousing call for equality. Plus a conversation with LGBT equality activists of today about the role of trans folk at Stonewall and beyond.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For America's birthday, a patriotic rejection of the patriarchy. Hosts Tricia and Greta bring you the stories of muckraker Nellie Bly, painter Georgia O'Keeffe and jazz singer Nina Simone. We talk to authors, unearth archives and send contributor Lauren Chooljian on a road trip. Plus, your #nerdconfessions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Freaks and nerds unite! Freakonomics' Stephen Dubner teaches Tricia and Greta how to think like a freak. Plus a portrait of astronaut Sally Ride on the anniversary of her first trip to space, news Freaks (and Geeks) can rejoice over and your Cosmos-related #nerdconfessions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pop science author Mary Roach tells Nerdette hosts Tricia and Greta about answering gross questions most of us are too afraid to ask. Plus a conversation about the nerdy new AMC show Halt And Catch Fire. And, of course, your #nerdconfessions. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NPR news quiz Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! host Peter Sagal abandoned his passion for science fiction and fantasy when he went to college, but tells Tricia and Greta that Game of Thrones brought him back into the realm of nerds. Plus his tips for introducing kids to your favorite movies, why he loves Ray Bradbury and homework that will require you to lace up your sneakers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nerdette LIVE featuring Tricia, Greta and Brain Scoop host Emily Graslie of The Field Museum in Chicago. Plus audience nerd confessions and the musical stylings of Drew Edwards from Blue Police Box Music. Our live audience? A heap of WBEZ members. Speaking of WBEZ... we have a pretty giant announcement in this episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maria's back! We talk Game of Thrones with our favorite stepmother and chat about HBO's new Silicon Valley and the return of Veep. Plus Walter Hickey from fivethirtyeight.com breaks down the numbers on women in film. Plus homework from Tricia's trip down a Steve Jobs-related Netflix rabbit hole and Greta wants you to read The Leftovers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Astronaut and author Chris Hadfield nerds out with Tricia and Greta about living in space, his substantial mustache, making science cool on social media and the science fiction that helped spark his interest in space travel as a kid.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. nerds out about building a green home and his new digital shows for Amazon and Evox. Plus we talk about his favorite memories from Arrested Development, Six Feet Under and other great gigs. Then 'lunatic farmer' Joel Salatin gives great homework on how to make yourself a little happier.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's D&D time! Tricia dives into the world of Role Playing Games with expert guides from One Shot podcast, Greta gives Veronica Mars homework and The Atlantic's Olga Khazan highlights how women rank around the world when it comes to STEM jobs, the Second Shift and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The director of Girls in the Band helps us get to know the hippest women who played in big bands. Why Emily Pilloton blew up shop class and rebuilt it for teens. Special homework from Mr. Superlative. And a debrief on the finale of True Detective.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A chat with the director of Wicker Kittens, a new documentary about competitive jigsaw puzzlers. Then scientist Deanna Barch talks about how the Human Connectome Project is mapping the brain and what it might mean for people dealing with depression. And an ode to the best show about adult nerds on TV: Parks and Recreation. Your homework? Get ready to binge watch HBO's True Detective.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We nerd out about the Oscars - the nominees and the awards - with A.V. Club editor A.A. Dowd. Logan Jaffe offers a sound-rich essay about how we got to HER's Samantha and why Siri, and so much of our technology, sounds like a lady. Then our booze nerd Rebecca Poulson offers up a cocktail inspired her favorite Oscar nominee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pulitzer Prize winner Deborah Blum on the science of attraction, filmmakers fess up about how much horror movies and romantic comedies have in common and a boozy hot chocolate recipe to cozy up with on Valentine's Day. Plus your song dedications to the nerdy loves of your lives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tavi Gevinson, founder and editor of Rookie Mag, has a budding media empire that celebrates unabashed enthusiasm. She talks about the music, TV and more that she's obsessing over lately. Plus she gives homework. (Which she's still very familiar with.) Did we mention she's still in high school?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two professors turned Supernatural fangirls tell us about how the show has changed their life. Plus get to know the biting and brilliant voice behind the new "Ladies Against Humanity" Tumblr Kate Stayman-London. Her jokes went viral and she got to visit Harry Potter World in Florida. Not a bad week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Ella Baker to Abbey Lincoln, Lena Horne to Dorothy Height, let's get to know women central to the civil rights movement. Some preferred staying behind-the-scenes, others performed their civil rights on stage and screen. Then we bring the conversation up to the present by talking about what's changed since then (and what hasn't) for performers like Beyonce.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s episode, Tracy Letts (August Osage County! Homeland!) gives some sonic homework. And lady nerd extraordinaire Meg Lowman talks about climbing trees, convincing her kids to count bugs and rainforest conservation. Plus an August Osage County-inspired cocktail and a heartfelt nerd confession from co-host Tricia Bobeda.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, a cocktail recipe to help you stay warm (and classy). Then WBEZ political reporter Alex Keefe counts down the best of the worst story pitches in his inbox. And we talk Orphan Black, Alpha House and more in a round up of our favorite TV from 2013 and a list of things we're definitely going to nerd about in 2014. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The good folks at WBEZ gave us an hour to nerd out on the radio over the holidays. This episode is that mix of old and new, with some of our favorite conversations from 2013 all wrapped up into one hour.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author of 'Word Freak' and Scrabble evangelist Stefan Fatsis nerds out about his favorite board game and sharing that passion with his daughter. Plus Greta spent the weekend with some tile slingers and our first ever homework challenge with a prize on the line.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gillian Anderson, aka Agent Scully of X-Files, nerds out about the ocean's health and talks about playing smart characters. Plus a behind-the-scenes look at a Shakespeare/Star Wars mashup play and we finally crack open the homemade Nerdette soda with Meghan Murphy-Gill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Presidential historian (and O. G. Nerdette) Doris Kearns Goodwin nerds out about baseball, muckraker Ida Tarbell, Eleanor Roosevelt and the relationship between Teddy and Taft as told in her new book The Bully Pulpit. Plus Lauren Chooljian tells us about touching the toe bone of a newly discovered dinosaur and a Bully Pulpit-inspired cocktail from Rebecca Poulson. Thanks for listening and sharing! http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The evolution of language is something linguistics professor slash word nerd Anne Curzan thinks about a lot. She wrote an article about the newest use of the slash (it's not just punctuation anymore). Then, third-generation word nerd Becky Vevea checks in with her eighth-grade English teacher mother and grandmother about what a hashtag is. And, of course, we have to talk about 50 years of Doctor Who! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seth Reiss, head writer for The Onion, talks about their encyclopedia, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and gives great homework. Also, a weekend round up of our weekend activities-- Tricia liked Thor, especially Natalie Portman's call for girls in STEM fields, and Greta got to check out a Scrabble tournament.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk with folks from Business Insider about their list of the most famous books set in each state; then, how to get your homebrew on with Emma Christensen of Kitchn. Homework this week is a doozy-- check out Strange Brews, a WBEZ podcast about all things beery, and then watch The Crazy Ones on CBS. Oh, and if you have time, check out Wally Lamb's new book.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

'Masters of Sex' author Thomas Maier helps us get to know another great Lady Nerd of History: Sex researcher Virginia Johnson. Novelist Ann Patchett gives homework. Plus a Masters of Sex cocktail, a Halloween nerd love story and a zombie debate. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Sharon Creech talks about her new book The Boy on the Porch. Plus Tricia counts down to the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, Lauren Chooljian provides the perfect playlist for sweater weather music and we've got some hip (hop) homework for you. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get to know the mother of computer programming, Ada Lovelace. This great lady nerd of history inspires our conversation with women in STEM fields and teenage girls learning to code in Chicago. Plus author Malcolm Gladwell gives homework and nerds out about David and Goliath.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Media inventor and author Robin Sloan stops by to talk about Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore, its new prequel, secret societies and the future of technology. Plus autumnal homework from author Sharon Creech. http://nerdettepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Victoria Schwab nerds out about hugging Neil Gaiman and explains her merit system for productive writing days. (It involves rewards of watching BBC shows). Plus your incredible responses to our superpower showdown question: Flight vs. The power to make baby animals stay baby. And homework from media inventor Robin Sloan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 Rock writer Colleen McGuinness on coming out as a nerd and all the TV, movies and board games she loves. (Bananagrams!) Plus she talks about teaming up with Tina Fey for her new NBC comedy pilot set on Fire Island. And she gives really good homework.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.