What does it take to truly understand another culture?  Professor Unni Wikan, a renowned social anthropologist, has spent nearly six decades finding out – living among communities in Egypt, Indonesia, Oman, Bhutan, and beyond, witnessing firsthand the complexities of human connection, resilience, honor, and shame. 

In this conversation on Villy’s Bookmark, she shares fieldwork lessons about poverty, cultural sensitivity, and the unspoken ways people communicate.  She reflects on how globalization is transforming anthropology and what it’s like to teach across starkly different academic worlds – from Norway to Harvard University and the University of Chicago. 

Wikan also reveals the thinkers and writers who have inspired her writing.  For anyone curious about human behavior, cross-cultural understanding, or the art of teaching, this episode offers an intimate look into a mind that has been bridging worlds since her first fieldwork in Egypt in 1968. 

Join Villy's Bookmark for a thought-provoking dialogue with Cathrine Mathiesen, a dynamic writer and yoga teacher, as we unravel the synergy between mindfulness, literature, and modern womanhood. Cathrine shares her journey of integrating yoga into daily life, offering fresh perspectives on balancing masculine and feminine energies in today's fast-paced world. This episode invites you to explore how community and self-awareness can drive personal and intellectual growth, challenge conventional narratives and inspiring a new generation of thinkers to embrace authenticity and transformation.

On this episode of Villy's Bookmark, I engage with Johan H. Andresen, a businessman and philanthropist who has recently gained attention in Norway's public sphere with his satirical comic, Fritt. Known for its sharp wit and insightful commentary on political contradictions and corporate hypocrisy, the comic has sparked both laughter and conversation. Johan shares his journey from anonymity to public recognition, discussing the balance between humor and responsibility, and the power of art as a tool for reflection and critique. He reflects, "I thought that by writing without people knowing who the writer was, I wasn't necessarily seeking the freedom, but I was... vain enough to think that maybe I should get some recognition for the work." Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that delves into the intricacies of satire, the creative process, and the impact of storytelling on society.

On this episode of Villy’s Bookmark, I sit down with explorer, author, and publisher Erling Kagge, the first person to reach the South Pole, North Pole, and Mount Everest on foot. Erling shares what inspires him, discusses the transformative power of silence, and what he missed during his epic expeditions. We dive into his intense writing process, and uncover a surprising story about his unique signature “Lev Vel.” While reflecting on how to sign emails, a topic he once discussed with Nobel laureate Jon Fosse, Erling discovers, to his amusement, that Nobel Peace Prize winner and fellow polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen had used the same sign-off almost 150 years ago. I hold the historic letter in my hand as we explore this connection. Adventure, reflection, and unexpected history collide in this rare glimpse into the mind of a modern explorer. Don’t miss Erling’s profound insights into living a meaningful life.   

In this episode of Villy´s Bookmark, I delve into the world of narrative journalism with Marte Spurkland, a renowned journalist and author. Marte shares her journey from traditional journalism to writing her acclaimed book, "The Class", which offers a poignant look at the lives of high school students. Through her storytelling, Marte explores the intersection of personal narrative and public life, shedding light on the human stories often overlooked. As Marte explains it "We are not as different as we think". Tune in to discover the craft of narrative journalism and the ethics of telling real stories with honesty and care. This conversation promises to enrich your perspective on the power of storytelling in shaping cultural narratives.