Happy To Be Here

“For Colored Nerds” hosts Eric Eddings and Brittany Luse discuss some weird and wonderful things from the week. Book Riot’s Liberty Hardy shares some of the best books coming out in the early months of 2022. Her list includes… “Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?” by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn (1/18) “Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow” (4/5) “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel (4/5) “Unlikely Animals” by Annie Hartnett (4/12) “Nettle & Bone” by T. Kingfisher (4/26) And WHAT IS TIME?! We ask Chad Orzel, physicist and author of the new book “A Brief History of Timekeeping.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Authors Adriana Herrera and Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney join us to unpack the twists and turns of Xochitl Gonzalez’s dazzling debut novel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we pay tribute to the late fashion icon André Leon Talley, discuss a troublesome murder of crows and dive into the new book How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu. Plus, we talk to a conservation biologist with a delicious solution to the issue of invasive species. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nerdette’s "resident epidemiologist" Dr. Emily Landon is back to cut through the noise and help us navigate the pandemic now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We ring in the new year with a panel discussion on the huge snowstorm in the mid Atlantic and the death of the BlackBerry. Author Catherine Price explains why fun is an essential part of life. And what does the sun actually sound like? One of the scientists behind the first spacecraft to touch the sun’s atmosphere tells us all about it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are kicking off 2022 with Xochitl Gonzalez’s dazzling debut novel about political scandal, family bonds, gentrification and a whole lot more. Xochitl joins us for a spoiler-free chat about how her former career as a wedding planner inspired her to write this story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thousands of hours of podcasts came out this year. But how many were actually good? The New Yorker’s Sarah Larson and Vulture’s Nick Quah give us a taste of the best of the best. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month on Nerdette Book Club, we talk to two poets about Andrea Gibson’s poetry collection ‘You Better Be Lightning.’ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Linda Holmes and Aisha Harris, co-hosts of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, share their top TV shows of the year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We take stock of the year in books with an editor from The New York Times Book Review and the host of The Stacks podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our panel dives into the maple syrup shortage. Plus, we take a look at the best cookbooks of 2021. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to Andrea Gibson about their gorgeous new poetry collection, ‘You Better Be Lightning.’ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tre’vell Anderson and Jarrett Hill, co-hosts of the FANTI podcast, join us to discuss the pronunciation of Omicron, Spotify “Wrapped” playlists, and getting stuck in a British pub. Then, we hear from Grace Bonney about her new book Collective Wisdom: Lessons, Inspiration, and Advice from Women over 50. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Romance enthusiasts Tia Williams and Jessica Pryde join the book club to dig into the feminist bodice ripper Bombshell by Sarah MacLean. It’s a romp! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Athletic eating doesn’t need to stop with the Thanksgiving meal. New York Times Cooking experts Melissa Clark and Tejal Rao teach us how to make the best of our leftovers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Winter sure is coming, so Nerdette’s resident epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon is back to answer all of your COVID questions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve all heard way more about supply chains this year than ever before, but how will the shortages and delays affect your holiday book haul? Nerdette goes on a journey through the publishing industry to find out. But first, the panel gets into vaccines for kids and People magazine’s choice for the sexiest man alive, Paul Rudd. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The panel debates daylight saving time, canceling classic rock, and how to stop your job from becoming your life. Plus, we learn how to make beans interesting every day of the week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk to bestselling romance novelist Sarah MacLean about her feminist bodice ripper Bombshell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To get into the Halloween spirit, Erik Larson tells us a ghost story and a monster expert explains why werewolves are hot right now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Nerdette Book Club unpacks Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki with book nerds Jenn Northington and Christina Orlando. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, our panel takes a stab at renaming Facebook and mulls over the new Dune adaptation starring Timothée Chalamet. Then, we talk about two special guides for life, one on feminism for girls and non-binary teens and another on using tarot for self-care. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The duo behind Black Nerd Problems join the panel to unpack the week so you don’t have to. Plus, two authors share stories on women’s self portraits and coming out at any age. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, our panel takes a look at some of the most complicated friendships in our lives: Facebook friends, unvaccinated friends, and ‘bad art friends.’ We even talk about some animal ones too, with bestselling author Mary Roach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We discuss deals with the devil, intergalactic warfare, and defiant joy with author Ryka Aoki. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s not easy being the first in any field. Just ask our two trailblazing guests, former NCAA swimmer Schuyler Bailar and tubist Richard Antoine White. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lit Society Pod co-hosts Kari Herrera and Alexis Honoria join Greta to process Michelle Zauner’s devastating, delicious memoir. (Heads up: you might want tissues for this one.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's all TV and trees this week! We're joined by culture reporter Hannah Giorgis (The Atlantic), canopy ecologist Meg Lowman, and Chicago's finest "Bachelor"-ologists: Mina Bloom and Brandon Pope. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You asked, we delivered! Infectious disease expert Emily Landon is back to take your questions on variants, vaccines, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This one’s all about anxiety! We talk about how Naomi Osaka is paving the way for all of us with WBEZ education reporter Susie An and Axios Today host Niala Boodhoo, then neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki talks to us about why anxiety is still so misunderstood. Plus, we catch up with Lauren Groff about her wonderfully weird novel, 'Matrix.' See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Nerdette we're bringing you a fascinating interview from another WBEZ podcast - Art of Power. Leigh Bardugo is the author of the bestselling 'Shadow and Bone' trilogy. Leigh talks with Aarti Shahani about the many ups and downs she traversed before ultimately landing at success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How is it September already?! We talk music news with Certified Music People™ Jasmine Garsd (NPR) and Jill Hopkins (Vocalo). Then, we check in with actor Harvey Guillén, who does all his own stunts as Guillermo de la Cruz in 'What We Do in the Shadows,' and walk through a recommendation from the American Medical Association that could make life a lot easier for trans and intersex folks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's our long-awaited episode on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 'Klara and the Sun'! We dive into the Nobel prize-winner’s latest with writer Anita Felicelli, who recently reviewed ‘Klara and the Sun’ for the Los Angeles Review of Books, and author Veronica Roth (‘Divergent,’ ‘Chosen Ones’). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WTTW anchor Brandis Friedman and WBEZ reporter Araceli Gómez-Aldana talk to us about Lil Nas X’s new gig with Taco Bell, if anything we watch is “good” in the age of armchair critics, and why the baby from the cover of Nirvana’s 'Nevermind' isn’t smiling anymore. Then, TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk christens a new genre we can get behind (White Man As Obstacle) and author Jess Zimmerman takes a feminist spin on Greek myths. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re back with a panel! This week, we talk COVID, Jeopardy!, and #RushTok with WBEZ daily newsletter writer Hunter Clauss and New York Times TV critic Margaret Lyons. Then, Eve Ewing tells us about 'Maya and the Robot,' her lovely new book for middle grade readers. (Note: We recorded this week’s panel on Thursday, before the news broke about Mike Richards leaving Jeopardy!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s all about SUMMER MOVIES. First, we check in with TIME’s Eliana Dockterman about what’s been good, what to avoid, and what the deal is with that whole ScarJo/Disney lawsuit situation. Then, we ask film critic Robert Daniels about his favorite movies of 2021 so far. His list may surprise you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, two of our favorite eaters — Bon Appetit senior staff writer Alex Beggs and New York Times restaurant critic Tejal Rao — tell us why the best picnics might just be the least photogenic ones. They’re all about tiny swimsuits, big sandwiches, cold wine in insulated water bottles, and minimal, minimal effort. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to Nerdette Book Club! It’s just like a regular book club only we have our own hashtag! This month we’re reading ‘Klara and the Sun’ by Nobel prize-winning Kazuo Ishiguro. Stay tuned for the panel discussion of the book later this month -- in the meantime, as if you didn’t need more books to add to our to-read list, Greta talks with book nerds Liberty Hardy and Bethanne Patrick about some of the best books they’ve read so far this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we check in with Jacoby Cochran, host of City Cast Chicago, and WBEZ politics reporter Mariah Woelfel about the CDC’s re-masking guidelines, the Jan. 6 hearing, and that Adam Driver centaur ad. Then, Carleton University journalism professor Sarah Everts joins to talk about her new book ‘The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration.’ AND, Gabrielle Bluestone (aka the VICE reporter who broke the story on Fyre Festival) explains why we just can’t stop falling for scams. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to Nerdette Book Club! It’s just like a regular book club only we have our own hashtag! This month we’re reading ‘Version Zero’ by David Yoon (‘Frankly In Love,’ ‘Super Fake Love Song’). In this fast-paced genre-defying tale, three friends team up to take down Big Tech. When they gain the support of a mysterious benefactor, the trio take their schemes to new heights -- only to realize they’re not as in control as they first thought… Here to help us unpack everything are Sameer Pandya, the author of ‘Members Only’ and a professor of Asian American Studies at UC Santa Barbara, and Elise Hu, host at large for NPR who also served as NPR’s bureau chief in Seoul. Plus, we hear from a bunch of listeners like you! Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We unpack the week that was with Joanne Freeman, a historian and co-host of ‘Now & Then’ podcast, and Kat Chow, a reporter and writer formerly with ‘Code Switch’ who now has an upcoming memoir called ‘Seeing Ghosts.’ Then, theoretical physicist Dr. Avi Loeb tells us why extraterrestrial intelligence is more likely than you think. AND! This month’s Book Club author David Yoon gives us a preview of what we can expect from Joy Revolution, the new YA imprint he runs with his wife Nicola Yoon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We unpack the week that was with Joanne Freeman, a historian and co-host of ‘Now & Then’ podcast, and Kat Chow, a reporter and writer formerly with ‘Code Switch’ who now has an upcoming memoir called ‘Seeing Ghosts.’ Then, theoretical physicist Dr. Avi Loeb tells us why extraterrestrial intelligence is more likely than you think. AND! This month’s Book Club author David Yoon gives us a preview of what we can expect from Joy Revolution, the new YA imprint he runs with his wife Nicola Yoon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We unpack the week that was with Arionne Nettles and Meha Ahmad, including the Euro Cup controversy, billionaires in space, and the latest (not greatest) food trend: mac and cheese ice cream. Then, Jenn Northington and Swapna Krishna tell us about ‘Sword Stone Table: Old Legends, New Voices.’ They’re the editors of this incredible new anthology of King Arthur stories retold by writers who hold marginalized identities. Plus, Anna North joins to dispel the myth of lockdown as a sabbatical once and for all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 cream nerd! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 [email protected]. We'll be back later this month with a super spoiler-y discussion about the book with some amazing panelists. Until then, enjoy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.

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.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.