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Artwork for Happy To Be Here

Happy To Be Here

Greta Johnsen
My So-Called Life
87% Club
Teen Drama
Friendship
Perfectionism
Mental Health
Angela Chase
Teenage Emotions
Productivity
Jordan Catalano
Parental Dynamics
Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Art Activism
Sharon Chirsky
Teenage Independence
Kin
Whidbey
Dear Monica Lewinsky
Chicago
Nostalgia

Happy To Be Here is a new interview podcast for the recovering perfectionist and the perpetually curious, full of conversations that make you feel right at home and allow you to learn a little bit about almost anything.

Host Greta Johnsen (formerly of Nerdette) invites you to meet journalists, chefs, authors, and all kinds of excellent humans who will delight and inspire you. Packed with recomme... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes671Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureTechnology

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Artwork for Happy To Be Here

Latest Episodes

Host Greta Johnsen talks to author and poet Paige Lewis. Their novel Canon is the GRETAGRAM book club selection for July. Canon is difficult to describe -- it pays homage to many classic epics and is deeply rooted in the Bible, But it’s also extremel... more

The June GRETAGRAM book club selection is Julia Langbeing’s Dear Monica Lewinsky, a novel that explores sainthood, desire, the legacy of Monica Lewinsky, and the history of horny nuns.

Host Greta Johnsen discusses the book with Gwen Kirby, the auth... more

It’s the first Friday of the month, which means it’s time for a new book to read! This month’s selection is Julia Langbein’s phenomenal novel Dear Monica Lewinsky, and Julia is today's guest on the show.

The book is about Jean, whose life was derail... more

It’s the last Friday of May, which means it’s time to discuss T Kira Madden’s novel Whidbey!

Host Greta Johnsen talks to self-professed T Kira stan Kristen Arnett, the author of several novels. (Her most recent book, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Gwen Kirby
Creative writing and literature professor at Carleton College; author of Shit Cassandra Saw
Carleton College
Episode: GRETAGRAM book club: 'Dear Monica Lewinsky,' discussed!
Julia Langbein
Author of Dear Monica Lewinsky
Episode: GRETAGRAM book club: Julia Langbein on 'Dear Monica Lewinsky'
Kristen Arnett
Author of Whidbey and other works
Author
Episode: GRETAGRAM book club: 'Whidbey,' discussed!
MJ Franklin
Editor at the New York Times Book Review and host of the Book Review Book Club Podcast
New York Times Book Review
Episode: 9 books to read this summer
Traci Thomas
Host of The Stacks Podcast
The Stacks
Episode: 9 books to read this summer
Kristen Kurtis
Morning show host and assistant music director at WXPN in Philadelphia
WXPN (Philadelphia)
Episode: Swoony songs for summer
Kelly Brask
Certified professional organizer based in Chicago
Kelly Brask Organizing
Episode: Swedish Death Cleaning 101
T. Kira Madden
Author of Whidbey
Episode: GRETAGRAM book club: T Kira Madden on 'Whidbey'
Roxana Jullapat
Head baker and co-owner of Friends & Family, Los Angeles
Friends & Family Bakery
Episode: Chocolate for breakfast with Roxana Jullapat

Hosts

Greta Johnsen
Host of Happy To Be Here; interview host with a background in book-centered conversations and lifestyle storytelling
Kristen Meinzer
Co-host with experience in literary discussion and media critique; also hosts other culture-focused shows

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.8k ratings
  • Listen Immediately!!

    This podcast is like a warm hug from a friend. Greta has the best taste in everything—books, TV, recipes! Always uplifting, but never afraid of confronting difficult realities, this podcast always makes me feel less alone and leaves me thoughtful and inspired! Greta has really built a beautiful community that extends beyond the podcast too! Come join the fun!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    amnick7
    United States3 months ago
  • I’m So Happy to Be Here

    I loved Nerdette and was so sad when it got cancelled. I’m thrilled that Greta was able to bring it back to life because we need this community more than ever right now.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cdreincarnate
    United States4 months ago
  • Listen! So good

    Greta has interesting takes on life. I have often written down quotes from her because she can express what I am thinking about this modern life. Listen and enjoy!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sf_solar_girl
    United States4 months ago
  • Hooray for the 87% Club!

    It’s so good to hear from Greta Johnsen again! Her episode on the 87% Club resonated so strongly, I could listen to an entire series on that topic alone. But for now, it was a great reminder about how well Greta understands her audience.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cute dots
    United States6 months ago
  • Happy to be here!!

    So glad to have Greta back in my podcast feed. If you missed Nerdette (of course you did) come get your smart, delightful conversations at Happy to Be Here- positive and never Pollyanna 😍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Katherine Boothe
    Canada6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some episodes spark debates on current events or science topics, which can be polarizing for some listeners.
Guests are diverse, bringing expertise across books, media, and culture.
The host fosters warm, thoughtful conversations and builds a sense of community.
Listeners appreciate the blend of book club depth with casual, friendly vibes.

Top Society & Culture Podcasts

The Ezra Klein Show
The Ezra Klein ShowNew York Times Opinion
Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should KnowiHeartPodcasts
This American Life
This American LifeThis American Life
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics RadioFreakonomics Radio + Stitcher
Sword and Scale
Sword and ScaleSword and Scale
Behind the Bastards
Behind the BastardsCool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
The Why Files: Operation Podcast
The Why Files: Operation PodcastThe Why Files: Operation Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Modern WisdomChris Williamson

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Swedish Death Cleaning 101
Q: What is the balance between sentiment and practicality when deciding what to keep?
Keep items that hold meaning or memories, but also be willing to let go of things that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy to anyone in the family, using a box with notes for future disposal as needed.
Swedish Death Cleaning 101
Q: Do you have any recommendations for how to broach the topic of Swedish death cleaning with aging parents?
Approach the subject gently, acknowledge different family dynamics, and frame it as a practical conversation about memories and future ease for their kids, rather than a critique of current possessions.
The 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' TV show is very good, and Rufi Thorpe agrees
Q: How involved did you want to be in the next iteration of the project?
I didn't feel a need to control every detail and was open to the show finding its own voice within the adaptation, weighing in where it made sense but not trying to copy the book slavishly.
What's the difference between cupcakes and muffins?
Q: Would you eat a cupcake for breakfast?
Yes, depending on the cupcake's flavor (e.g., a banana bread cupcake with cream cheese frosting could work as a breakfast treat); it's all contextual and about judgment and timing.
What's the difference between cupcakes and muffins?
Q: Do you have a personal preference between cupcakes and muffins?
She prefers muffins when she wants something more breakfast-like or less frosting-heavy, but enjoys cupcakes when she's in the mood for a cake-like treat; it's about context and mood.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Happy To Be Here

What is Happy To Be Here about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A warm, conversation-forward interview show that pairs a curious host with journalists, authors, chefs, and other thoughtful creators to explore books, culture, food, and everyday life. Episodes blend literary analysis, media criticism, and appetizing recommendations, often weaving personal stories with broader social conversations. Noteworthy is the host's ability to connect with a diverse slate of guests and to frame discussions around humanity, curiosity, and easygoing discovery, making it inviting for listeners who like thoughtful breakdowns plus tasty takeaways for reading, watching, and cooking. Expect a steady mix of literature-focused discussions, cultural critique, and lifestyle recommendations that feel both accessible and uplifti... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Happy To Be Here?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Happy To Be Here:

1. The Stacks
2. NPR's Book of the Day
3. Pop Culture Happy Hour
4. It's Been a Minute
5. The Sam Sanders Show

How many episodes of Happy To Be Here are there?

Happy To Be Here launched 13 years ago and published 671 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Happy To Be Here?

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What guests have appeared on Happy To Be Here?

Recent guests on Happy To Be Here include:

1. Gwen Kirby
2. Julia Langbein
3. Kristen Arnett
4. MJ Franklin
5. Traci Thomas
6. Kristen Kurtis
7. Kelly Brask
8. T. Kira Madden

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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