Jon Almaas: From TV Host to Farmer, "Useful 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 he's farming in Hallingdal, hosting the incredibly popular podcast "Useful Info with Jon Almaas," or taking part in this year's Christmas TV special, he's simply unavoidable. And why would we want to miss him?
From TV Studio to Barn: Farming Life with Subsidies
Most people still associate Jon with his hosting gigs, 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 on the land isn't always a bed of roses. Last year, he received a sum in subsidies which, as he himself puts it, – would have made it pointless to carry on without. That's refreshing honesty, and so typical of Jon: He doesn't sugar-coat anything, whether on screen or behind the tractor wheel.
"Useful Info" – The Podcast That Became a National Treasure
These days, however, it's probably through the airwaves that Jon reaches the most people. Together with his recruited Bård T. Johansen from the "Nytt på nytt" universe, and not forgetting Else K. Furuseth and Steinar Sagen, he's created a minor media sensation. "Useful Info 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 wit 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 of them get together for the Christmas special, well, then you know the holiday season will have just the right mix of serious moments and light-hearted fun. Expect talk about everything from the perils of the Christmas dinner to the year's worst gifts – all delivered with that signature Almaas twist.
Private Life: Peace and Turmoil
Even a beloved TV host has his struggles. Jon has previously had to endure both criticism and prying eyes on 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: – I just have to accept that she has other men besides me. It's the kind of statement that raises eyebrows, but also reminds us that celebrities are ordinary people with the same challenges. He's taken the criticism in his stride and pushed back with the calm authority that only a man with both Eurovision Song Contest 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 host. He's an institution. Whether we're following him on the podcast, watching the Christmas special, or seeing 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 bound to be more useful info coming your way soon.