Jon Almaas: From Screen to Farm Life, "Useful Information" 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 "Useful Information 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: Farming Life with a Little Help
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 – "it wouldn't be worth doing without." It's refreshingly honest, and classic Jon: he doesn't sugar-coat anything, whether on screen or behind the tractor wheel.
"Useful Information" – The Podcast That Became a National Treasure
These days, though, it's through the airwaves that Jon probably reaches the most people. Alongside his collaborator Bård T. Johansen from the "Nytt på nytt" universe, and not forgetting Else K. Furuseth and Steinar Sagen, he's created a minor media phenomenon. "Useful Information with Jon Almaas" has become the place where listeners get exactly that – useful 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 nearly impossible to listen without a smile. And when the four of them get together for the Christmas special, well then you know our holidays will be filled with just the right dose of serious and silly. Expect talk about everything from the trials of the Christmas dinner to the year's worst gifts – all delivered with that classic Almaas twist.
Private Peace (and a bit of strife)
Even a much-loved presenter has his struggles. Jon has previously had to endure both criticism and intrusive looks into 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 you raise an eyebrow, but also reminds us that celebrities are ordinary people with the exact same challenges. He's taken the criticism in his stride and responded with the calm authority that only a man with both the Eurovision Song Contest and sheep shearing on his CV can have.
Still the People's Champion
Jon Almaas proves time and time again that he's more than just a presenter. He's an institution. Whether we're following him on the podcast, on the Christmas special, or watching him navigate farm life, he does it with a charm that's entirely his own. And if you miss something, don't despair: there's sure to be more useful information on the way.