Happy To Be Here

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 [email protected]. 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.

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! 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 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.

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.

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 Lauren. They dish about their new book, how they became BFFs, and why they love the romance genre. AND science writer Olga Khazan explains why it’s never too late for you to change your personality. (But only if you want! We think you’re great just as you are.) 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’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 her new book ‘Let’s Talk About Hard Things.’ AND, chemistry Youtuber and author of 'Chemistry For Breakfast' Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim nerds out about the science of everyday things. 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 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 conversation with our distinguished panel. PLUS, don’t forget: we want to hear from you too! Record your thoughts about the collection and send an audio file to [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 makes a massive multiplayer online RPG. (Think ‘Fortnite’!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 demise of Yahoo Answers. (RIP Babby!) Then, Greta Johnsen returns to chat with Alison Bechdel about her latest graphic novel. 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! 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 historical accuracy? Can apologies still be meaningful when they’re public? We discuss these questions and more with guests Rebecca Makkai, author of ‘The Great Believers,’ and Jenn White, host of NPR’s ‘1A.’ Listen now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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,’ which is all about the wonderful world of WHOLE GRAINS! And because we’ve all been thinking about (dreading?) it, we check in with entomologist Sammy Ramsey, aka Dr. Buggs, about the upcoming Cicada emergence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 the pandemic wall is still a thing! 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! 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 conversation with our distinguished panel. And don’t forget: we want to hear from you too! Record your thoughts about the collection and send an audio file to [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 by to talk about her new book Good Neighbors, which we CAN’T RECOMMEND ENOUGH! AND, Margaret Lyons, TV critic for the New York Times, offers some suggestions for what to watch this spring. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 let go of Women’s History Month! So historian Rosalind Miles joins to discuss her latest book ‘The Women's History of the Modern World: How Radicals, Rebels, and Everywomen Revolutionized the Last 200 Years.’ AND Bethanne Patrick explains the phenomenon that is #BookTok. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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’s really going on with BMI. AND Rebecca Schuman stops by to talk about her recent article “Hamsterkauf! Coronazeit! There’s a German Word for Your Pandemic Experience.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

Authors Micaiah Johnson ('The Space Between Worlds') and Carmen Maria Machado ('In the Dream House', 'Her Body and Other Parties') join Nerdette host Greta Johnsen to discuss the Oscar-nominated film ‘Promising Young Woman.’ ‘Promising Young Woman’ is a genre-busting rape revenge tale starring Carey Mulligan as a flinty avenger on the hunt for so-called "nice guys." It has been nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress. Bo Burnham, Connie Britton, Alison Brie, and Adam Brody also appear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Authors Micaiah Johnson ('The Space Between Worlds') and Carmen Maria Machado ('In the Dream House,' 'Her Body and Other Parties') join Nerdette host Greta Johnsen to discuss the Oscar-nominated film ‘Promising Young Woman.’ ‘Promising Young Woman’ is a genre-busting rape revenge tale starring Carey Mulligan as a flinty avenger on the hunt for so-called "nice guys." It has been nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress. Bo Burnham, Connie Britton, Alison Brie, and Adam Brody also appear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vaccine FOMO, royal drama, and our own personal Grammys. We unpack the week that was with author Saeed Jones and host of NPR’s Embedded podcast Kelly McEvers. Then, Devon Price, a social psychologist and professor at Loyola University, debunks the lies we tell ourselves about laziness. (Spoiler alert: Laziness Does Not Exist.) Plus, Katie Heaney joins us from The Cut to talk about her recent article “I Forgot How To Hang Out.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Texas and Mississippi are reopening. Cancel culture IS a thing. Also, have you ever imagined Helen Mirren smoking weed? We unpack the week that was with Leigh Bardugo and Emily Graslie. Plus, Anna Malaika Tubbs joins us to talk about the mothers of three civil rights icons. AND Sherry Turkle stops by to discuss her new memoir. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People are hitting a “pandemic wall.” Presidents are making podcasts. And teenagers are kidnapping themselves to get out of work. We unpack the week that was with rapper Dessa and Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Book critic Bethanne Patrick and Professor Lisa Page, director of creative writing at George Washington University, join us to discuss this month’s book club pick: Leave The World Behind by Rumaan Alam. Alam’s third novel is a witty and unnerving take on the apocalypse genre that is already being turned into a Netflix film starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joss Whedon is not the feminist showrunner we thought he was, but is that a surprise? Plus, remembering the complicated legacies of two of America’s first female doctors. Then, a cat expert offers some advice to owners whose cats don’t love their home-based lifestyles. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former President Trump is being impeached … again, Britney Spears is back in the news, and it’s the 10th anniversary of the viral TGIF earworm “Friday.” We unpack the week that was and catch up with Nerdette’s resident epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon, who also works at the University of Chicago. Plus, Madam Clairvoyant stops by to explain why the heck things have been so weird lately (according to the sky). 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 Rumaan Alam about his latest book ‘Leave The World Behind,’ which is already being turned into a Netflix film starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. Rumaan Alam’s novel is Nerdette's February book club pick. Listen to our chat with Alam, read his book and come back later this month for more. 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 take a look at the latest set of award season snubs, non-snubs and the rest of the week’s news with WBEZ Reset host Sasha-Ann Simons and WAMU producer Jonquilyn Hill, who’s also the host of NPR’s Through The Cracks podcast. Then we talk with Jeni Britton Bauer, the creator of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, about a new flavor of cream cheese ice cream that includes — for some reason — sesame, garlic and onion. Yes, it’s weird! And lastly, we take a moment to remember Grammy-nominated musician SOPHIE with the help of author and culture writer Sasha Geffen. SOPHIE died Sunday at the age of 34. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GameStop, GameStop, GameStop. Be gone! Another week is in the books, and we break down the news in vaccine distribution and pandemic fertility rates with WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith and soon-to-be City Cast lead producer Carrie Shepherd. Plus, we take a look at all these GameStop shenanigans with Slate reporter Alex Kirshner. Then, a conversation with Mateo Askaripour, the author of a new part-satire, part-self help novel about a black salesman on a mission: Black Buck. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a lot of ways, The Space Between Worlds is a classic, action-packed sci-fi novel about a multiverse. But as our panelists explain, author Micaiah Johnson skillfully twists a lot of archetypical tropes into something wholly unique.Listen along as Greta discusses the book with Ramtin Arablouei, co-host of NPR’s Throughline podcast, and Northwestern University journalism lecturer Arionne Nettles. We also hear from many of you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year's presidential inauguration managed to muster up as much pageantry as possible, given the circumstances. Despite the pandemic and concerns over national security, the United States saw another peaceful transition of power. Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, was in attendance. She tells Nerdette host Greta Johnsen what it was like to see another woman make history with the swearing-in of Vice President Kamala Harris. Plus, FANTI podcast hosts Tre'vell Anderson and Jarrett Hill unpack their complicated feelings about America in 2021. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything keeps getting more intense! So we ask journalists Tricia Bobeda and Kristina Lopez how they're managing their news intake.Then, we talk to Glennon Doyle, author of several books, including Untamed, about why resolutions are not for her.And finally, we hear from some of you about what you've resolved to bring into 2021. Join us!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the Nerdette Book Club! Each month, we read a book and chat about it with a rotating group of panelists. This month’s pick is The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson.It’s an alternate-universe story about hundreds of different Earths slightly different from our own. It’s possible to “traverse” to other planets, but only if the traverser’s doppelganger is already dead. Enter Cara, our protagonist, whose impoverished and oppressed upbringing means she’s already dead on every planet except for eight of them.This is Micaiah Johnson’s first book, and it’s an ambitious one. In today’s episode, Nerdette host Greta Johnsen has a spoiler-free conversation with the author about the book’s themes and how Micaiah’s own life story intersects with Cara’s.Be sure to come back later this month for a spoiler-filled conversation about The Space Between Worlds. And don’t forget: we want to hear from you too! Record your thoughts about the novel and send an audio file to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first week of 2021 was rough. But, as advice columnists Daniel Lavery and Heather Havrilesky tell us, there's still room for optimism. Then we talk to Dr. Y. Joel Wong, a professor at Indiana University, about the very real science behind positive thinking (Yep, a number of studies show that people who keep gratitude journals are mentally and physically healthier than those who do not.) And finally, poet Ross Gay tells us about The Book of Delights, his collection of "essayettes." Turns out, the more you look for delight, the more it shows up for you. Which seems like a pretty delightful thing to bring into the new year. And speaking of things to bring into the new year, we'd love to know: What are your resolutions for 2021? What's your stance on resolutions in general? Record yourself on your phone, and send the audio file to [email protected], and you may hear yourself in next week’s episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The year is almost over, which means top 10 lists are rolling in. But what’s it like to pick favorites in such an emotionally intense year? Greta talks with podcast expert Nick Quah, TV critic Margaret Lyons and Vocalo host Jill Hopkins about the best stuff this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Sarah Vowell and comedian Maeve Higgins visit the Nerdette Book Club for a spoiler-filled analysis of Tana French's plodding murder mystery, 'The Searcher.' Plus, we 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.

You’ve made it through another week in the year 2020. Congratulations!Join Nerdette for a look back at the week in vaccines, virtual holiday parties and Greta’s new favorite ridiculous TV show, The Wilds, alongside TIME Magazine’s Eliana Dockterman and NPR’s Barrie Hardymon.Then we have an amazing conversation about your brain — yes, yours — and how tired it gets when you make it lug your body around all day. Lisa Feldman Barrett is the neuroscientist responsible for Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain, a lovely book of brain essays. She gives us one and a half lessons for free.And finally, what’s the best holiday cookie of 2020? Bon Appetit senior staff writer Alex Beggs tells us — OK fine, it’s this one — but she also gives us plenty of warnings (i.e. level of difficulty = 11). Join us!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dessa is a rapper, a singer, an author, a poet, and a whiskey co-creator, among other things. She even participated in an “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”-type procedure in an attempt to remove memories from a painful relationship.Nerdette’s Greta Johnsen talks to her about all of that, including her memoir, My Own Devices. We also listen to some of the amazing tracks on “Chime.” This episode originally aired in 2019.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our December Book Club pick is our first murder mystery! It's Tana French’s latest book, The Searcher. In it, a retired Chicago police officer moves to a small town in Western Ireland for a bit of peace and quiet, only to get drawn back into his old ways when a local boy asks for help solving the mystery of his brother’s disappearance. Today's episode is a spoiler-free conversation with Tana French. Check it out, check out The Searcher, then come back in two weeks for a panel discussion that breaks it all down. We want to hear from you too! Record your take on The Searcher and email the audio file to [email protected] by Thursday, Dec. 17.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy weekend! Now let Nerdette podcast get you ready for it.First we break down the week in disappearing monoliths, TV reboots and Spotify playlists with WBEZ’s Meha Ahmad and Mariah Woelfel. Then we talk with musician Andrew Bird about his new Christmas album. And finally, we take a walk through confectionary history with reporter Ashlie Stevens, who knows a few things about sprinkles. Join us!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

And from you to Nerdette!Despite [insert disaster of your choice], we’re still thankful for a lot of things in 2020. Like baked goods and game shows and the people we can still visit over the internet. We asked you to tell us about the stuff you’re grateful for right now and, obviously, you did not disappoint. Press play to listen.Us? We’re thankful for you. So hang in there, stay safe and have a happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Nerdette. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is this movie a documentary? Maybe a horror film? Welcome back to Nerdette Recaps with Peter Sagal! It’s the podcast where we rewatch movies from 1999 and dissect them like the intense nerds we are.Today, it’s all about Office Space, a workplace comedy from Mike Judge that has firmly … (“I believe you have my stapler”) ... wedged itself … (“Hello Peter. What’s happening.”) … into the cultural lexicon … (“Somebody’s got a case of the Mondays!”).The film stars Ron Livingston as a corporate drone who, thanks to a surprise hypnotherapy accident, becomes gifted with the sudden ability to not give a damn. It also features Jennifer Aniston, Gary Cole, Ajay Naidu and David Herman.Listen as Peter, Tricia and Greta revisit the film, revisit what it was like going into an office building and play some patriarchy jingles modified for William Shakespeare. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the Nerdette Book Club! Each month, we read a book and chat about it with a rotating group of panelists. This month’s pick is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab.It’s about a girl from the 1700s whose curiosities and ambitions are bigger than the small town she lives in. When she finds a way to break free from the expectation to marry and settle down, she takes it without thinking twice. But what she thinks is an amazing chance to live unhindered is actually a deal with the devil, and a centuries-long curse.Listen along as Nerdette host Greta Johnsen discusses the book with cultural critic and nonfiction writer Eva Recinos and All The Books! podcast host Liberty Hardy. We also hear from many of you, who (with a few minor quibbles) all seemed to love this spellbinding story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Say what now? We made it to another weekend! Now let us get you ready for it. First, we talk about the “news” of the week with Hari Kondabolu and W. Kamau Bell, comedians and hosts of the Politically Re-Active podcast. Then we have a conversation you’ve all been waiting for: Emily Willingham tells us about her new book titled Phallacy: Life Lessons from the Animal Penis. It’s wild!And last but not least, Yossy Arefi introduces us to the countertop staple we didn’t know we needed so badly: Snacking Cakes. Join us!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First thing we’re doing after this pandemic? Paintballing in Washington State, of course!Welcome back to Nerdette Recaps with Peter Sagal! It’s the podcast where we rewatch movies from 1999 and dissect them like the intense nerds we are.Today, it’s all about 10 Things I Hate About You, a far more benign reimagining of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger and a whole lot of Tacoma, Washington.Listen as Peter, Tricia and Greta discuss Peter’s new favorite band (Letters to Cleo), some truly excellent hairstyles and everything else that makes this movie great.And be sure to join us next week for Office Space. Don’t forget, we want to hear from you! Join the party and send us a voice recording about any of the movies we’re featuring. Just record yourself on your phone and send the audio file to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wilco singer/guitarist Jeff Tweedy has been busy. He has a new solo album out called Love is the King. And his new book How to Write One Song has a lot of advice for aspiring songwriters. But it’s also about a lot more than that.Nerdette host Greta Johnsen spoke with Tweedy from his recording studio in Chicago.What’s your definition of a song?Jeff Tweedy: I think of a song as a moment that you can recreate, and that you can intentionally set out to share with someone. It doesn’t have to be musical.I think a lot of the ways we treat our friends is a type of song. Just the notion that you know how to make your mom laugh is a bit of a song.I think we can start with the idea of a song as being anything you want it to be, honestly, and move out from there towards whatever your musical ability allows.You say that you weren’t trying to write a self-help book. But so much of it is about how to give yourself permission to try something new and how to finally scratch that creative itch. It is a self-help book after all?Tweedy: Self-help is such an oxymoronic thing. If you can help yourself, you don’t need a book!But I think the book was a way for me to share a lifestyle that I think is beneficial to me. I don’t think the book succeeds quite as well as a direct practical guide to writing a song, even though there is some of that. I think it’s more successful as a kind nudge toward something that makes living worthwhile.You use the phrase “inviting inspiration” a lot, which counters the argument that making stuff is about sitting around waiting for divine inspiration to hit.Tweedy: Yeah. I think there is a gestation period for a lot of inspiration. And to me, opening yourself up to doing the work on a daily process allows that gestation to have a foothold in your consciousness. I don’t think a bolt of inspiration is going to have much of a place to land in your psyche if you aren’t actively seeking, on a daily basis, something that surprises you or excites you. I look at it more like you’re putting yourself in the path of inspiration consciously.I just believe that’s how it happens much more than somebody, for example, not having any intention of writing a song at all, and getting struck by a bolt of lightning, and then they have an amazing song that comes out of them. That doesn’t happen. What happens is, people who really like the idea of writing a song try it a lot, and then someday they’re walking along, and something clicks. And it’s because they did all that other workYou’ve talked about, in terms of being creative, that the stakes are super low. What do you mean by that?Tweedy: I mean that you aren’t going to hurt anybody with a bad song. I don’t see a lot of downside. The only real downside there can be is to your ego, and I think it’s good for your ego to be bruised and challenged. I think your ego works for you in a lot of really healthy ways. It helps preserve your esteem and your sense of self. But it also can really inhibit you from growing and learning more about yourself. And to challenge that protective nature of your ego, I think, is really helpful for people. So the worst-case scenario is, you figure out you’re not really good at something, and nobody gets hurt. It’s just not brain surgery,And at the same time, the irony of it is, songs can mean everything! They can have such exalted places in our hearts and our spirit. They have such enormous ability to heal and retrieve lost emotions, and to pull us into some more communal space of believing in the world. I can’t think of anything more beautiful in the world than a song that means a lot to somebody.This conversation was lightly edited for clarity and brevity. Press the ‘play’ button to hear the full episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fair warning: This movie can be really tough to watch. Boys Don’t Cry is a heart-wrenching biopic based on the true story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was raped and murdered in Nebraska in 1993. The film stars Hilary Swank, who won an Oscar for her performance, with a stellar supporting performance from Chloë Sevigny and a haunting one from Peter Sarsgaard. Listen as Peter, Tricia and Greta discuss what the movie meant at the time, how it holds up and how it doesn’t. And be sure to join us next week for 10 Things I Hate About You. Don’t forget, we want to hear from you! Join the party and send us a voice recording about any of the movies we’re featuring. Just record yourself on your phone and send the audio file to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Would you take a deal with the devil?In The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, a new novel from renowned fantasy author V.E. Schwab, a young woman bargains with her soul to live forever. The catch? She’s cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.The novel is Nerdette’s November book club pick. Today, we host a spoiler-free chat with the author about the book, the many years it took her to write it and what comes next.Later this month, we’ll break it down with our group of panelists … and you! Send us a voice memo with your thoughts on the book. Just record yourself on your phone and send the audio file to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let Nerdette podcast get you ready for the weekend with a quick gut check after a long election week. Plus an interview with a great author and a new strategy for organizing your thoughts.First, we talk election distractions with Negin Farsad, comedian and host of the Fake The Nation podcast, and Clay Masters, lead political reporter for Iowa Public Radio.Then we talk with author Nick Hornby, author of many wonderful books like High Fidelity, About A Boy, and his newest novel, Just Like You.And finally, we talk with freelance reporter Sophie Hardach about the psychological benefits of reading out loud. Join us!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s an election going on! This podcast has absolutely nothing to do with it!Welcome back to Nerdette Recaps with Peter Sagal! It’s the podcast where we rewatch movies from 1999 and dissect them like the intense nerds we are.Today, it’s all about Election, a very dark comedy featuring Reese Witherspoon, Matthew Broderick and about 15 servings worth of cringe.Listen as Peter, Tricia and Greta compare Tracy Flick to Leslie Knope, analyze each candidate’s speech and reminisce about their very own student council campaigns.And be sure to join us next week for Boys Don’t Cry. Don’t forget, we want to hear from you! Join the party and send us a voice recording about any of the movies we’re featuring. Just record yourself on your phone and send the audio file to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.