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!
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.
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.
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.
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 Pandy...
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.
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.
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...
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!
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 ...
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...
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!
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!
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.
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.'
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, unt...
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! ]]>...
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!
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!
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. ...
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 Br...
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 you...
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’!)
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...
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...
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 (d...
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!
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 thou...
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, ...
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 W...
