Jon Almaas: From TV Screen to Farm Life, "Practical Info," and Christmas with Bård, Else, and Steinar
He's been everyone's favourite since his "Nytt på nytt" days, and now it looks like Jon Almaas has decided to be more present than ever. Whether it's as a farmer in Hallingdal, the host of the incredibly popular podcast "Practical Info with Jon Almaas," or as a participant in this year's Christmas TV special, he's simply unavoidable. And why would we want to miss him?
From Living Room TV to the Cow Shed: Farm Life with a Little Help
Most people still associate Jon with his role as a TV host, but in recent years, he's actually spent just as much time on his farm. He has thrown himself into the daily life of a farmer with both 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, something he himself says – wouldn't have been worth doing without. That's refreshing honesty, and it's classic Jon: He doesn't sugar-coat anything, whether on screen or in the tractor.
"Practical Info" – The Podcast That Became a National Treasure
However, it's through the airwaves that Jon probably reaches the most people these days. Together with his accomplice Bård T. Johansen from the "Nytt på nytt" universe, and not least Else K. Furuseth and Steinar Sagen, he has created a minor media phenomenon. "Practical Info with Jon Almaas" has become the place where listeners get exactly 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 can make anything sound like a good story.
The chemistry is so good that it's almost impossible to listen without smiling. And when the four of them get together for the Christmas special, well, then we know our holiday season will be filled with just the right dose of seriousness and fun. Expect discussions on everything from the dilemmas of the Christmas dinner to the year's worst gifts – all with that signature Almaas twist.
The Peace (and Chaos) of Private Life
Even a beloved TV host 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: – Just have to accept that she has other men besides me. It's the kind of statement that makes us raise our eyebrows, but also reminds us that celebrities are ordinary people with the very same challenges. He has 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 Man
Jon Almaas proves time and time again that he is more than just a TV host. He's an institution. Whether we follow him on his podcast, in the Christmas special, or watch him navigate farm life, he does it with a charm that is entirely his own. And if you happen to miss something, don't worry: There's bound to be more practical info coming your way.