Jon Almaas: From Screen to Farm, 'Practical Info' and Christmas with Bård, Else and Steinar
He's been a firm favourite since his 'Nytt på nytt' days, and now it seems Jon Almaas has decided to be more present than ever. Whether it's as a farmer in Hallingdal, host of the incredibly popular podcast 'Practical Info with Jon Almaas', or as a participant in this year's TV Christmas special, he's impossible to avoid. And why would we want to?
From telly to tractor: Country life with a subsidy
Most people still associate Jon with his presenting role, but in recent years he's actually spent just as much time on his farm. He's thrown himself into the daily life of a farmer with a twinkle in his eye and his hands in the soil. And yes, he's the first to admit that life in the countryside isn't always a bed of roses. Last year, he received a sum in subsidies which he himself says – wouldn't be worth doing without. It's refreshing honesty, and classic Jon: he doesn't sugar-coat anything, whether on screen or in the tractor.
'Practical Info' – the podcast that became a national treasure
It's through the airwaves, however, that Jon probably reaches the most people these days. Alongside pinching Bård T. Johansen from the 'Nytt på nytt' universe, and not least Else K. Furuseth and Steinar Sagen, he's created something of a media phenomenon. 'Practical Info with Jon Almaas' has become the place where listeners get just that – practical information on everything from gardening to political scandals, served with a unique blend of deadpan humour and genuine curiosity.
- Bård T. Johansen: The dry-witted partner who always asks the weird questions.
- Else K. Furuseth: The journalist with the soft voice and the hard facts.
- Steinar Sagen: The radio legend who makes everything sound like a good story.
The chemistry is so good it's almost impossible to listen without smiling. And when the four get together for their Christmas special, well, then we know our holidays will be filled with just the right dose of serious and silly. Expect chat about everything from the stress of Christmas dinner to the year's worst gifts – all delivered with that little Almaas twist.
Private peace (and strife)
Even a beloved presenter has his struggles. Jon has previously had to endure both criticism and intrusive scrutiny of his private life. Among other things, he's had to come to terms with the fact that love can take strange turns; as he himself puts it: – You just have to accept that she has other men besides me. It's the kind of statement that makes us raise an eyebrow, but also reminds us that celebrities are ordinary people with the same challenges. He's taken the criticism in his stride and hit back with the calm authority only a man with both Eurovision and sheep shearing on his CV can have.
Still the people's champion
Jon Almaas proves time and again that he's more than just a presenter. He's an institution. Whether we're following him on the podcast, the Christmas special, or watching him navigate life as a farmer, he does it with a charm that's entirely his own. And if you miss something, don't worry: there's bound to be more practical info on the way.